51 Characteristics of a True Leader.

The other day on the DVPN message board, someone brought up the subject of Leaders. I myself within most of my adult life have always either taken on a Leader role, or have been in some way, shape, or form a Leader. Anyone can be a follower, but not everyone can be a Leader. I remember when I was going through management training with FootLocker back in the early 90's, part of the Assistant Manager phase (phase 2 to be exact) of the Executive Training Program dealt with Leadership. There was either 10 or 12 points of Leadership listed in one chapter that were really right on target of what a Leader is suppose to be. I remembered some of them, but then I got to thinking what else makes up a Leader? What did I always use to be a successful Leader? I started writing them down and finally finished this morning, and came up with these 51 Characteristics or points. I am in the process of defining each point, but I will cover them hopefully in the near future.

51 Characteristics you need to possess to be a True Leader

1. Problem Solver
2. Decision Maker
3. Planner
4. Organizer
5. Counselor
6. Mentor
7. Creative
8. People Person/Oriented
9. Motivator
10. Assertive
11. Strength (Physical, Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual)
12. Intelligence
13. Wisdom
14. Dexterity
15. Constitution
16. Charisma (I know, these last 6 remind you of D&D attributes)
17. Big Thinker
18. Doesn't Exploit the Weak (Physical, Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual)
19. Change Master (or Masters Change)
20. Shows Empathy
21. Risk Taker
22. Uses Power Wisely
23. Not Afraid to Roll up Their Sleeves and Their Get Hands Dirty
24. Doesn't Tolerate Incompetence or Lazy People
25. Reprimands People Respectfully
26. Communicates Well
27. Team Builder
28. Courage
29. Committed
30. Responsible for Actions (Self as well as Others)
31. Leads by Example
32. Listens to Others with an Open Mind
33. Loyal
34. Anticipates Next Move
35. Dedicated
36. Determined
37. Enthusiastic
38. Rewards People
39. Ethical/Maintains a Strict Code of Ethics
40. Goal Oriented
41. Independent/Has Own Mind
42. Can Take and Follow Orders
43. Sets High Standards
44. Doesn't Procrastinate
45. Honest
46. Accepts Criticism
47. Flexible, but yet Firm
48. Team Player
49. Open to Diversity
50. Doesn't Discriminate
51. Accepts Defeat at Times as a Learning Experience

Well what do you think? Does this hit the nail on the head? Feel free to let me know what else can be added!

Caedmon

PS: I do recommend that all aspiring Leaders to read The One Minute Manager by Kenneth Blanchard (the link is him applying his theory to an accounting firm, but in essence, it can be applied to everything).