9 Essential Leadership Traits

Mudassir Iqbal PMI Karachi Pakistan Chapter - March 4, 2019

When we think of project managers, we think of team leaders accountable for delivering the
project within the allocated deadline and budget set by the client. In reality, it takes a lot to
become a project manager. Achieving a leadership position comes with massive responsibility
and requires certain character qualities.

Leaders often require at least some training in regards to soft skills. One can have the potential
to become a great leader, but if he or she doesn’t have the right personality, they won't be able
to make it far on just raw talent.

Here are the skills that (in my point of view) are essential to be a good—and eventually great—
leader:

1. Effective communication: The ability to interact with multiple people at different levels is a
skill that draws a line between ordinary and great leadership. A project leader must call for
clear communication regarding the project’s expectations and ultimate objectives. Therefore,
he or she must be able to progressively align and utilize influence to achieve project success.

A significant part of communication involves listening—specifically active listening.

Consequently, leaders should form a steady flow of communication between themselves and
their team members, either through an open-door policy or everyday discussions with
employees. Also, they should make themselves available often to deliberate issues and
concerns with employees.

2. Good decision-maker: Being quick and effective with making decisions is a topmost
attribute of a leader. These front-runners are empowered to make endless decisions to keep
their pre-defined goals on track. One wrong mistake can jeopardize the entire project;
therefore, a leader should be competent enough to think swiftly and respond decisively. The
fear of failure also shouldn’t introduce decision paralysis. As a leader, calculated risk-taking is
very important because the decision will help you either succeed or learn.

3. Clear vision: A smart leader must have a clear vision—and the competence to articulate it.
Visionaries must deal with productive change and have the ability to draw new frameworks. A
leader is someone who lifts us up, provides us with an effective vision and the spirit to change.
Visionary leaders empower their people and enable them to experience their own vision. On
top of that, they provide their team with excellent prospects in creating and exploring their own
vision—and envisioning their future as a productive part of the organization. Likewise, a project
manager articulates the vision to his or her team members and leads from the front.

4. Collaboration: An efficient grip on group progression is fundamental. It requires keeping a

team together and motivating each member to execute their best skills. When building up a
group, it’s important to foresee and understand the contentions and contradictions that
frequently happen. As a pioneer, you must be capable of intervening and ensuring that all team
members progress toward the ultimate goals.
5. Positive attitude: Strong leaders are aware that a business cannot have a motivated team
unless each member is enthused. Motivation can be demonstrated with a positive attitude
(even in adverse situations) and creating a driven and relaxed work environment. Even very
small incentives (such as offering the team treats like cupcakes) can truly make a difference.
Team members are more likely to work hard if they feel appreciated and satisfied with their
work. Positivity is encouraged by providing your team with inspiration and acknowledgement of
its work—and commending each member for both their individual and collective efforts. A
positive leader builds a self-driven team that can have a significant impact on your
organization.

6. Delegate: To be a successful leader, you must learn to delegate. Modifying your brand,
vision and values is vital in creating a well-organized and finely tuned business. If you are
unable to trust your team members and follow through with their ideas and values, it becomes
extremely challenging to move forward. Trusting your team is a prominent sign of strengthened
leadership. The leader must delegate tasks based on skill sets, and assign work to the right
departments.

Without this skill, your team will suffer and productivity will decline. When it comes to
delegation, determining (and taking advantage of) the strengths of your team is key. For this,
you need to know every team member and explore their strengths and weaknesses. As soon
as you are able to understand them, you can assign work accordingly to achieve the best
outcomes. Allocating work this way ensures that the tasks will be performed with great
enthusiasm. Not only will it boost team productivity, it will also give members confidence that
you trust their abilities. Also, it will save you significant time and allow you to focus on tasks
that cannot be delegated.

7. Flexibility: Even when resolutely founded, a project can still fail. Unforeseen setbacks and
delays often occur in project management, and at this point, a leader can either make or break
the project. They should never panic with problems; instead, view them as intellectual
challenges. This unique and valuable trait needs to be balanced with patience and stamina.
Out of uncertain chaos and change, leaders rise up and articulate a new strategy for the future
that pulls the project together.

8. Strong character: Employees should feel comfortable coming to their leader with any
questions or concerns. As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your integrity—and employees
trust leaders they truly respect. By being open-minded and honest, you will motivate a similar
sort of morality in your team members. The ability to apologize, keep confidentiality, show
consistent behavior with employees, be empathetic and have integrity all contribute to solid
character.

In 18-plus years of professional experience, I have worked for leaders, managers and
accidental occupants of managerial and leadership positions. When I analyzed my
performance with these leaders, I must say that I was far better while working with leaders who
had high emotional intelligence.

9. Think outside the box: As a leader, you must think outside the box. For this, you need to
learn and apply non-traditional solutions—or approach problems in non-traditional ways. Your
team members will be impressed and inspired. Here, critical thinking, conceptualizing and
cognitive flexibility is crucial.

Being a great leader doesn’t happen overnight; it’s takes patience, willpower and the drive to
prosper!