Essential Qualities of Leaders
Guest Blogger: John Spence, Managing Partner at John Spence LLC
I recently read an article from Harvard Business Review titled “8 Essential Qualities of Successful Leaders.” While it presented some excellent ideas, here is my take on some of the article’s key points and how they can help leaders at any level.
One of the standout qualities of strong leadership is authenticity.
People want to follow leaders they trust—those who act with honesty and align their words with their actions. Authenticity means consistently reflecting your values in your decisions and interactions. It also means being vulnerable enough to admit mistakes and ask for help.
Curiosity is another trait that sets great leaders apart.
Stay open to new ideas and explore perspectives beyond your usual circle. Make time to connect with colleagues from different industries or roles and ask insightful questions. This habit broadens your perspective and helps you approach challenges with fresh thinking.
Adaptability is essential in today’s unpredictable world.
Leaders who can adjust their approach to fit changing circumstances are better equipped to guide their teams through uncertainty. This requires mastering learning agility—the ability to continuously absorb new information and ideas, swiftly unlearn outdated assumptions, and relearn fresh approaches to meet evolving demands. This cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning is essential for staying relevant and effective.
Empathy rounds out this list.
A leader’s ability to connect on a human level builds stronger, more cohesive teams. Empathy starts with listening—not just to hear, but to understand. It means making an effort to learn what truly motivates your team and where they need support. Empathetic leaders demonstrate that they genuinely care about their people.
While these qualities offer a starting point, they only scratch the surface. For more than 30 years, I’ve led organizations and taught leadership to teams worldwide. My focus has been on how leaders can inspire trust, encourage excellence, and create environments where people thrive.
John Spence is Managing Partner at John Spence LLC, where he provides executive coaching, strategic guidance, workshops, and keynote speeches to organizations worldwide. He has worked with organizations ranging from midsize companies and associations to the Fortune 10. His approach focuses on transforming complex business concepts into simple, actionable solutions. For more information please visit: https://johnspence.com/.
