Recently, the Australian Financial Review reported “True Leaders 2015” in the annual BOSS magazine, August 2015 issue (see http://www.afr.com/opinion/editorials/boss-true-leaders-2015-guided-by-principle-using-good-people-20150813-giyg1t).
Many academics argue today’s leaders are required to transform businesses in increasingly volatile, often ambiguous, environments. The 29 nominated leaders included Nicholas Moore, Macquarie Group CEO; Mike Baird, NSW Premier; Elizabeth Broderick, Sex Discrimination Commissioner; Catherine Livingstone Business Council of Australia; Rosie Batty, Australian of the Year and Ben Quilty, artist.
Although these leaders come from diverse backgrounds, they share some common characteristics:
- Ability to drive positive change
- Driven by belief and conviction to a cause
- Articulate a clear vision that inspires and engages others
- Harness skills and talents of others
- Sensitive to the “emotional landscape” and feelings of others
- Recognise underlying political dynamics
- Withstand criticism
- Authentic personal style
- Passionate
- Fearlessness, relentlessness and tenacity.
There is nothing new or unexpected on this list, and many other articles and publications attest to similar leadership attributes. So why is it some organisations lack good leadership? What great leaders inspire you? What qualities make them a true leader?
