We’ve all had our share of good and bad bosses, but what made us like or dislike them? While our personal opinions take a share of the credit, consistent qualities tend to crop up when we look at good management. What do you think makes a great leader?
Famous advertising executive David Ogilvy offers up an interesting list:
01. High standards of personal ethics.
02. Big people, without pettiness.
03. Guts under pressure, resilience in defeat.
04. Brilliant brains — not safe plodders.
05. A capacity for hard work and midnight oil.
06. Charisma — charm and persuasiveness.
07. A streak of unorthodoxy — creative innovators.
08. The courage to make tough decisions.
09. Inspiring enthusiasts — with trust and gusto.
10. A sense of humour.
What’s on yours?
Original Mad Man David Ogilvy on the 10 Qualities of Creative Leaders [Brainpickings via Swissmiss]
Comments
3 responses to “What Qualities Make A Great Leader?”
1. wisdom and foresight
2. good looks
I would put focus as one of the MOST important features.
Also, anyone else that felt that point 01. (High standards of personal ethics) described few bosses? Typically, what I see from the upper echelons are balls of steel, lack of compromise, lack morals and lack of integrity – think high risk/brutal. Unfortunately, this sociopathic personality profile sums up many of our leaders today. What’s more, they are paid a royalty for such behaviours too.
I think this list is better:
http://www.briantracy.com/blog/leadership-success/the-seven-leadership-qualities-of-great-leaders-strategic-planning/