Characteristics of Exceptional Leader

Characteristics of Exceptional Leader
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Characteristics of Exceptional Leader
Exceptional leaders are usually at the center of any company`s or organization`s success. It is their mandate to positively impact their employees to achieve their full potential and contribute to the company`s growth. Hence, according to leadership development consultants Joseph Folkman and Jack Zenger, to be an exceptional leader, one must possess the following characteristics.
Exceptional leaders are masterful communicators who are capable of delivering a message to their subordinates prolifically and powerfully. Great leaders will usually use an appropriate tone in delivering a message across any medium and situation. Thus, for any information to be decoded as effective communication, the message intended for the recipient should be recognized by the person to possess a translated meaning; hence, one of an exceptional leader`s roles is to “motivate and communicate” (Drucker, 1954; Drucker, 1973). Effective communication is not limited to only what one says but also what they do not speak. Good leaders understand the principle of turn-taking in communication, that is, speaking and listening.
Besides, exceptional leaders possess meticulous emotional intelligence. Good leaders do not shy off from showing soft skills to their employees. The generally held notion that an effective leader must be ruthless, strong, and always ready to rattle with people is wrong. Instead, exceptional leaders understand when to employ softer people skills like empathy and humility. The ability to manage one`s emotions and others is what puts leaders apart (Aufderheide, 2006). As a leader, you may often be required to have tough conversations with your employees, so being adept at conveying unfortunate news tactfully and subtly is an indication of an exceptional leader.
It is a consensus that the characteristics of an exceptional leader comprise an assortment of various traits. For a leader to effectively deliver their mandate, self-awareness plays a significant role in helping them to comprehend and be fully conscious of their acceptance by employees, emotional intelligence, and personality qualities. When individuals have a conscious self-awareness, they are bound to optimally execute and deliver what is required of th...