Successful, inspirational, impactful leaders possess similar characteristics that create cultures where people are inspired to perform. Strategies and methodologies may vary but the qualities are consistent with organizational values. Consider these:

Know Their “Why.” - Know their purpose, their cause, and calling as a leader and make that clear to the people they serve.

Passionate – Love what they do and are energized by their responsibilities. Display a passion and commitment to the mission, vision, and values that is clearly understood by the team.

Clarity of Vision – Know exactly the “True North” and direction they are heading and clearly communicate that vision with their team. Ensure people understand how they make a positive difference and contribute to the organization’s success.

Do the Right Thing – For the Right Reason in the Right Way.

Defined Values – Know what they believe and are willing to live the values regardless of the circumstances.

Positive Anticipatory Attitude – See the best in the present and the future. Always ready to face challenges head on and show their teams the positive in every situation.

Proficient in Their Area of Expertise – Leaders can’t be everything to everybody but must be the go-to for their area of expertise and open to other’s ideas where they are not proficient.

Secure with Themselves - Leaders possess a real sense of self-awareness and understand where growth is possible and what strengths they can maximize.

Solid Personal Life – Physical, mental, social, spiritual, and familial stability.

Energetic – Capable of energizing their life and the people around them.

Humble – Egos are checked at the door. Sincerely think more about others and less about themselves.

Worldly Intelligent – Understand the realities of life and strive to make sense of them in life’s daily circumstances.

Problem Solver & Solution Finder – Critical thinker. Gets to the heart of issues and generates solid solutions.

Grateful Spirit – Sincerely appreciative of their teams’ efforts and accomplishments. Are generous with encouragement, recognition, and appreciation.

Gracious Listener – Effective leaders are genuinely interested in other people’s lives, interests, and opinions. They make people feel valued by taking a genuine interest in feedback and acting when appropriate.

Individualized Leadership – The great Italian philosopher Vince Lombardi said: “There is nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” No one gets treated equally, but everyone gets treated special.

Positive Example – Work ethic, attitude, view of life, approach to challenges, relational strategies, commitment to the mission. . .  leaders must “Be It!”

Every leader and potential leader can “Do It.” None of these qualities are extraordinary, but inspirational leaders take the ordinary and make them extraordinary.