Traits and Me

What are Traits?

Traits are certain characteristics that help describe the personality of one person.

There has been much discussion over the years, stating which specific characteristics describe a leader. However, every individual comes from a different background, growing up with different morals and values. Thus, concluding each individual or "Leader" will have a unique set of traits that will help them flourish and be successful. Those traits might be similar to another leader but there are going to be some differences that are noticeable.

Taking this concept into consideration, I have created a list of certain traits I find to be important and necessary in leadership.

Determination

- The motivation to complete a task or implement change is key to any organization. Showing determination will eventually motivate and encourage others to follow.

Credibility

- This comes down to doing what you say. Completing the same tasks as your team they will gain respect towards the leader. Also, having the correct facts, experience and knowledge to back up everything that is said or done in the workplace is very important for others to believe you.

"Once you lie, everything you saw afterwards loses credibility" - Unknown

Humble

- This could be as simple as asking how someone's day was. You acknowledge others and stay genuine is key. It portrays you are human and not someone that only cares about the revenue. Active listening and acknowledging the conversation is just as important to stay humble.

"Have more than you show, and speak less than you know"- Unknown

Inspirational

- This is not considering what the individual has accomplished over their life time but rather how they influence others to flourish and succeed in the industry. They will help mentor and train others while providing them with the tools and resources necessary to complete a job. Ultimately they are motivating and encouraging individuals that allow the leader to gain respect and see them be leaders as well.

" Be somebody who make everybody feel like somebody" - Anonymous

Accountability

- A leader must always be responsible for their actions no matter what size the problem or issue was. They will not blame their team or company for their mistakes, rather acknowledge it and learn how to prevent that mistake from occurring for a second time.

"Accountability Breeds Response-Ability" - Steven Covey

Energetic

- Energy is infectious and can make a workplace more enjoyable to work around thus increasing productivity. Be that individual that makes someone smile each day. This will show you can still enjoy the job while completing work.

Adaptability

- Today's world is changing faster than we can keep up with it. Planning for those changes or adapting to the changes within a workplace are successful to keeping the business running. So encouraging others to be innovative and provide motivation to the team will help them adapt to the new world.

"When you can't change the direction of the wind, adjust the sails"

- H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Self-Confident

- Having confident in yourself will help others believe what you are trying to say or change. Confidence is portrayed in how well others will believe in the efforts that are presented due to how well the leader present themselves to others. With all the actions to be a successful leaders comes with the confidence and courage to implement those within the workplace.

"Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do" -Benjamin Spock

Selflessness

- This is the strongest trait I believe a leader should have. A leader focuses on others rather than themselves. Caring, motivating, encouraging, energizing, and training all focus on others which are qualities a successful leader obtains. It is ok to focus on yourself but the main focus of their efforts should be on their team the workplace. Don't say "I" but rather "We".

"Act without expectation" - Lao Tzu