The 14 Most Effective Leadership Traits
I use the term “brainwash” endearingly because the truth is that it was some of best training and most effective learning that I have ever encountered in my life. The acronym was JJDIDTIEBUCKLE or “JJ did tie buckle.” It covers the following fourteen leadership traits and they are true and effective whether you are a marine, a choir teacher or anything in between.
JUSTICE
Justice means being fair. Treat others equally. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you and so forth.
JUDGMENT
Judgment is the ability to effectively assess the situation. You must be able to accurately understand the implications of the situation you are in so that you can make good decisions. Judgment is also known as common sense.
DEPENDABILITY
Dependability is nearly self-explanatory. People must be able to depend on you to provide support, accurate information, guidance and motivation. People must be able to trust in your honesty as well as your competence.
INITIATIVE
Initiative is your tendency to approach your responsibilities in a proactive manner. A leader with initiative will not wait for direction before taking action. If you see something that needs to be done, do it.
DECISIVENESS
Decisiveness is the ability to make solid decisions quickly. With sound judgment, you will have enough information and with confidence in your information, you can make the decision now without hemming and hawing about.
TACT
Tact is a skill that enables you to communicate with people in a direct and effective manner without spurring conflict. This goes back to people skills. You need to be able to give direction without making people angry. Tact will help you inspire confidence in your leadership abilities and gain trust and loyalty.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is essentially honesty, which is crucial to being able to lead people effectively. Without honesty, there is no trust. Without trust, others will not truly follow you and support your motives or efforts.
ENTHUSIASM
Enthusiasm deals directly with your ability to motivate. It is about maintaining and putting forth a positive attitude. Enthusiasm expects success and drives us closer to achieving it. It fosters optimism and inspires others to follow your lead.
BEARING
Bearing is a trait that is often not discussed in civilian organizations but is nonetheless critical for good leadership. Bearing is the way you conduct and control yourself. It is your appearance, your posture and your manner that reflects self-confidence and self-control. Stand straight and exude a demeanor of leadership and authority. Bearing lets people know that you take your role seriously. Do not slouch about or goof off. These things do not inspire confidence in others that you can lead them.
UNSELFISHNESS
Unselfishness is another that is self-explanatory. A good leader is looking out for the good of the team. A leader is not selfishly seeking his or her best interest. Leaders have no ulterior motives.
COURAGE
Courage is the trait that is paramount in all good leadership. You must first have the courage to lead, to expect success, to accept responsibility and to face challenge. Leaders do not fear failure, they embrace it and learn from it in order to minimize its impact and the likelihood that it will occur again. Look fear in the eye and grin. Courage is the chariot that carries us to victory.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge is another important component of good leadership. You must have the experience, training and information necessary to see the operation to a successful end. Without knowledge, we are guessing our way through life. Without knowledge, there can be no judgment or sound decision making.
LOYALTY
Loyalty involves being devoted to the task or the goals of the organization that you are a part of. It means that you make the goals of the team your own. The loyal leader stands behind his people and supports them. He truly believes in what he is doing. Loyalty in leadership promotes a loyal following.
ENDURANCE
Endurance what keeps us going when the going gets tough? Endurance encompasses our dedication and tenacity to see the job through to completion regardless of obstacles or challenges along the way. It embodies both our mental and physical stamina and will power.
“JJ Did Tie Buckle.” To this day, I still believe in this acronym. I uphold that these 14 leadership concepts truly define the characteristics of good leadership. As a leader, carry these ideas with you wherever you go. Commit them to memory and put them to action. People will notice and your leadership skill will improve tremendously. You will be well on your way to being the best leader you can be.
For information about Leadership Skills or building self confidence, visit my Self-Confidence site: How To Be Confident!
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