15 Keys to be an Outstanding Leader


Leadership has been endlessly dissected, and even with the advent of technology, the fundamentals of leadership have not changed. Leaders should have the ability to inspire others to action. It is about getting people to do things they normally would not have done without the leader’s intervention.

For me, leadership is about three things:

1. Dreaming big with a compelling vision

2. The ability to inspire others

3. Leading by example

I have identified 15 key requirements for becoming a great leader. Here are 15 essential qualities that all outstanding leaders use to stand out and guide people toward a well-defined vision.

They are great listeners

Great leaders are great listeners. Leaders like Ronald Reagan were well known for their listening skills. When a leader truly listens, the team feels valued and understood. The ability to be heard is one of the core human needs, and a leader who listens builds trust and empathy. Leaders should assess their speaking-to-listening ratio and adjust to ensure balance. With AI ruling the roost an empathy driven leader might be as rare as water in a desert.

They have high energy

Great leaders are highly energetic. Their ability to sustain focus and drive over long periods often leaves people wondering, How do they get so much done? They prioritize health—eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep—and maintain a growth mindset to fuel their stamina. As Daniel Amen, the brain expert, says, the brain is the CEO of decision-making. Energy management is key to leadership longevity. Jack Welch mentioned the 4 E formula which formed his leadership philosophy. First is to be energetic, Second is ability to energize, third is ability to execute and finally have an edge.

They display a great attitude

Great leaders maintain a positive outlook, which radiates confidence and resilience to their teams. They are quick to praise others when things go well and take responsibility when things go wrong. A leader’s attitude is contagious—especially in crises. Leaders like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela inspired through their unwavering optimism. Never give in and never never give in.

They have a high level of desire

Outstanding leaders possess a vision that transcends fear. They dream big and commit to their mission despite obstacles. Leadership requires courage, conviction, and a relentless drive to achieve meaningful goals. Visualizing oneself at their best helps shape this vision. As Napoleon Hill said "Desire is the starting point of all accomplishment."

They are committed to excellence

Leaders do not settle for mediocrity. They stay at the cutting edge of their industries, constantly learning and improving. Excellence is not a destination but a journey, and great leaders set the standard for continuous improvement. Strive for excellence but never aim for perfection.

They are highly result-oriented

Setting a bold vision is one thing—delivering on it is another. Great leaders obsess over execution and understand that they are measured by their impact, not just effort. Customer-centric leaders like Jeff Bezos focus on tangible results rather than just activity.

They are committed to the success of the enterprise

Truly great leaders prioritize organizational success over personal ambition. They serve a mission larger than themselves. Jim Collins, in Good to Great, describes Level 5 leaders as those who build lasting companies through selfless commitment. Examples include Wendy Kopp (Teach For America) and Dwight Eisenhower. All leaders led for a cause larger than themselves.

They are very honest

Integrity is non-negotiable. Great leaders own their failures, make tough decisions, and prioritize transparency. Studies show that honesty is one of the most desired leadership traits, as emphasized in The Leadership Challenge.

They are totally inspiring

Leaders inspire action. They motivate teams through vision, passion, and conviction. A leader who is uninspired cannot inspire others. Think of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., whose words and actions moved millions. As John Quincy Adams eloquently said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

They persevere in spite of great setbacks

Challenges are inevitable. The difference between great leaders and others is their ability to persist despite adversity. History’s greatest leaders—Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs—faced repeated failures but refused to quit.

They empower others

Leadership is not about doing everything alone—it’s about developing others to reach their full potential. Great leaders delegate, mentor, and elevate those around them. The best leaders create more leaders, not just followers.

They embrace adaptability

In today’s fast-changing world, leaders must be adaptable. The ability to pivot in the face of change, embrace new ideas, and adjust strategies is a key differentiator. Satya Nadella’s transformation of Microsoft is a prime example of adaptive leadership. His book Hit Refresh is a good take on leadership.

They communicate with clarity

Great leaders simplify complexity and communicate their vision with precision. Whether it’s Elon Musk explaining space travel or Sheryl Sandberg championing leadership in the workplace, clear communication is essential. Her book Lean In is also brilliantly written with clear ideas for action.

They cultivate emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is as critical as technical expertise. The ability to understand, manage, and influence emotions—both one’s own and others’—creates trust and drives team performance. Leaders like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey are known for their high EQ.

They take responsibility

Great leaders own their decisions, whether good or bad. They never blame circumstances or others. Accountability earns respect and credibility, making people more willing to follow them. As Harry Truman "The Buck stops with me."

These 15 qualities define outstanding leaders. While some are born with leadership instincts, true leadership is cultivated through continuous learning, self-improvement, and a commitment to a bigger vision.

Great leaders listen, inspire, adapt, and persevere. They create an environment where people feel motivated, valued, and driven to achieve excellence.

Which of these leadership qualities resonates most with you?

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.


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