Jack and Suzy Welch discuss this issue in an article for LinkedIn. They begin by suggesting any leader should display integrity, intelligence and emotional maturity, all of which are automatically assumed to be pre-requisites. They then add a further five essential characteristics which, in their view, potential leaders must possess.
1. Positive energy – this is the ability to keep going and remain optimistic even if things are not going their way
2. Energising others – they should inspire other people to be able to tackle any obstacle
3. Edge – being able to make difficult decisions and not sit on the fence
4. Execution – in a nutshell, they make sure things happen
5. Passion – they must have commitment and fight for what they believe in
The first two features and the last one are inborn but this is not the case with points three and four, which stem mainly from self-confidence and thus can be acquired. The best way to learn is directly in the field: the more decisions someone makes, the more confident they will become – especially when they see the positive results which accrue from being decisive and, on the contrary, the problems that can result from wavering.
So when selecting a leader, you should look initially for candidates who show something of all five criteria; next, aim to develop what can be developed, namely edge and execution. Of course, not everyone can become a leader but, as one yourself, you should be able to identify those employees who do have the potential.
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