Ten Relationship Traits and Skills for Good Leadership

Layne McDonald. Ph.D.

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” - Thomas Edison

An essential aspect of good leadership is the ability to work and relate with others. Ten qualities characterize successful leadership in connecting and communicating with other people.

1. Availability

A good leader is available and in touch with people. Important leadership skill is recognizing needs and responding to them quickly and in the moment.

2. Easing Harmonious Relationships

A good leader realizes the importance of harmonious relationships and is initiative-taking in creating a pleasant atmosphere. Successful results are born out of harmony rather than conflict. Good leadership will prioritize keeping conflict and disharmony to the minimum.

3. Approachability

A good leader is approachable and has an open-door policy. Good leadership creates an environment where openness and honesty can occur in an atmosphere of fairness rather than judgment.

4. Proper use of authority

Sensitivity to the proper use, and conversely, the misuse of their power, is the whole mark of good leadership. A good leader will not use their position of authority for self-gratification and promotion or in a controlling and domineering manner. Successful leaders use their positional power with wisdom and sensitivity to the appropriateness of the circumstances.

5. Confidentiality

Good leaders conduct conferences and meetings in an atmosphere of trust. They display proper confidentiality and respect towards others and for others.

6. Initiative-taking

Good leaders set and use goals to motivate themselves and others. They understand the importance of personal and professional development. Successful leaders do what is necessary to upgrade their knowledge and skills and be at the forefront of their field. Successful leaders not only motivate themselves in personal development but also motivate those around them.

7. Supply Support

Good leaders can supply emotional SupportSupporton Unsplash to those for whom they are responsible. They recognize the importance of encouragement and inspiring confidence and give recognition for a job well done.

8. Keeping Motivation and Team Spirit

A good leader supplies incentives and motivators to improve the performance of their employees to challenge them to keep quality results.

9. Clear Communication

A good leader is an excellent communicator. Their leadership involves communicating the aims and procedures required for a task. They set clear, attainable, and measurable goals.

10. An Understanding of Group Dynamics

A good leader understands the dynamics of group relationships. Successful leaders can lead groups without aggravating conflict and minimizing disharmony. They are inclusive and skilled in creating a sense of team unity. They are adept at balancing the strengths and weaknesses of the group for the best results.