I asked Elicit for Common attributes of leadership discussed. Here’s what came back from the top 8 papers:

A range of studies have identified common attributes of effective leadership. These include the ability to make sense of complex situations and set clear goals (Tait, 1996), sound management skills (Harrison, 1971), exceptional values, communication skills, and trustworthiness (Gaiter, 2013), integration, innovation, importance, intensity, and integrity (Ivey, 2002), vision, self-awareness, and cognitive ability (Ahmed, 2014), integrity, ethical conduct, and self-control (Campbell, 1992), and vision, creativity, goal achievement, confident decision making, and team building (Sarros, 1993). These attributes are crucial for effective leadership across various sectors and organizational levels.

Elicit

Covey popularized the concept to manage things and lead people. Of the above, I identify the following having to do with people:

  • Set clear goals
  • Exceptional values
  • Communication skills
  • Trustworthiness
  • Integrity
  • Self-awareness
  • Ethical conduct
  • Self-control
  • Team building

Of these, I want to draw out the pursuit of self-awareness (because when are we ever fully aware?) fundamental to any of the others. And, according to Ira Chaleff on the subject of followership, what is defined as leadership can in many ways apply to followership, at least when it comes to being effective working with and supporting others. The other observation I want to point out is that, according to the full list of attributes, leadership isn’t just about people. So, I propose that we manage things and develop people – ourselves, others, teams, and whole organizations of them – to be effective with each other. An opportunity available to leaders and followers alike.

Be kind. Bring compassion.