Top Qualities of a Good Leader

Elliot Sherer, Senior VP of Investments at Aegis Capital Corp., has gathered a list of widely agreed upon keys to being a good leader.

With countless leadership styles to choose from and an endless variety of situations to navigate, it can be difficult for business owners and executives to establish universal qualities that a good leader should exhibit. Although there are specific leadership principles widely agreed upon, the key to being a good leader is getting the job done. And this often requires leaders, like Elliot Sherer, Senior VP of Investments at Aegis Capital Corp., to remain ready and willing to adapt to their environments.

Good leaders will embrace changes with open arms -- empowering and motivating their employees at every turn. This article will discuss some of the top qualities that allow executives to enhance their emotional intelligence and groom new leaders, developing an overall robust and passionate team culture.

Making Difficult Choices

Whether you are a stockbroker, a medical professional, an educator, or a creator, those in leadership positions should be comfortable making difficult choices. Your ability to get the job done can affect your family and the families of those who work for you. And you may encounter situations where sacrifices must be made in service of your team. Thus, good leaders must remain flexible, passionate about their work, and devoted to their teams.

Having Solid Faith in Your Ideas

A good leader must have solid faith in their ideas. For others to look to you as a leader, it is essential to take pride and remain passionate about your convictions. Only then can you build upon your beliefs and ideas by leading by example as a good listener and strong communicator. Your confidence in yourself and your purpose as a leader can effectively motivate and inspire your team members.

Knowing Your Team

To manage your team as effectively and productively as possible, a good leader must know each of their employees’ strengths and weaknesses. This will equip you to play to your team members’ strengths while also fortifying their weaker skillsets. Whether you have a career in finance as a registered representative or in sales as an account lead, your team’s successes and failures will determine the health and longevity of your business. Knowing your team can help you to build connections and relationships with those that work for you, empowering each of them to put their best foot forward.

Earning Your Team’s Respect

To be a good leader, you must be able to exhibit empathy, respect, and care for those you lead. Empathetic leaders can successfully tap into the emotions necessary to connect with an employee, letting them know that they are understood and heard. And leaders who earn the respect of their employees will ultimately thrive, building stronger relationships and showing team members that their ideas and work are valued.

Empowering Your Team to Strive for Greatness

When working to be a good leader, it essential to clearly and thoroughly articulate your beliefs. Clarity of purpose can empower you to push those around you to work harder -- to their fullest potential. Nevertheless, good leaders must lead from the heart and make their teams feel safe, heard, and valued. When employees feel appreciated, they will undoubtedly produce higher-quality work, benefiting you and your business. And seldom pleased by their own performance, good leaders will continually push for their own professional and personal growth, frequently provide transparent feedback to team members, and regularly self-reflect.