Some people were made to lead. They have a spirit that lends itself to helping people and has unflinching confidence and skill in accomplishing their goals. These people will find themselves in leadership positions and often be selected when a spearhead is needed on projects. What defines these magnanimous individuals? What traits do they possess that make them such effortlessly good commanders? It turns out that you can spot a natural leader from a mile away if you know the attributes that define them. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the unusual traits that indicate someone is a natural leader.
1. They’re confident.
To lead others, you must be confident in your ability to do so. Being assured of your decisions and who you are makes others more willing to see the same in you. The value of confidence is more than just the way you carry yourself; it’s also your willingness to be relied on. If you find yourself being the strong shoulder and the spear willing to forge forward to help people, it can mean you are a natural leader.
2. They are empathetic.
No great ruler has ever ignored the needs of their people. It’s a crucial part of leadership to be willing to put yourself in the shoes of those you are responsible for. You must care for them and their needs just as much as your own, and good leaders can’t accomplish this without empathy. Some might believe caring too much for those you lead is a sign of weakness, but what is the point of leading if not for the benefit of those you guide?
3. They have a vision.
What often separates a follower from a leader is their ideas and understanding of the big picture. We frequently select visionaries and knowledgeable folks as leaders, those whose goals we align with and admire. Natural leaders know precisely what they want and can find a way to get it step by step. They may have more ambitious goals than the rest of us, but by aiming higher, we all can benefit from their lofty ideals.
4. They’re good listeners.
Wisdom plays a massive role in leadership. To rise to the position of a respected leader, you must collect knowledge not only from your experiences but also from the experiences of others. By being a good listener, you validate the feelings and ambitions of those around you and gain valuable perspective that can be the difference between being an average leader and a great one.
5. They know how to play the game.
Diplomacy and political politics aren’t for everyone. Some people will shy away from rubbing elbows to advance their own cause. However, natural leaders may have a different perspective. They’re more likely to enjoy these strategic interactions or, at the very least, view them as necessary. They are also more likely to navigate them skillfully using their innate social graces and logical thinking.
6. They are adaptable.
As important as sticking to your guns is, pivoting when necessary is just as essential. Not every plan will work out as intended, so a good leader can devise alternative solutions when the going gets tough. Natural leaders may also be better at working on the fly in unexpected situations or turning obstacles into leverage to push them forward. They may not always have the perfect solution, but they can make the changes necessary to keep them and their followers moving regardless of the challenge.
7. They have integrity.
Everyone wants to see their leader as a good person and role model; a critical component is having a solid moral compass. Integrity is a cornerstone of leadership, as it helps those who follow you believe that you genuinely want the best for them and that your goals are noble. If you are morally upright, champion goodness, and show virtues such as honesty and humility, you will be more likely to be perceived as leadership material.
8. They outperform their peers.
Being better than your peers isn’t a prerequisite for being a leader, but it doesn’t hurt. In nature, animals compete in a series of tests of strength to rise to the top and secure dominance, and the same goes for humans. If you are the best player on your volleyball team, it isn’t unlikely that your name will come up when selecting a team captain. Having valuable skills and showing a high level of competency can be compelling reasons for people to rally behind you.
9. They respect those around them.
Even though we want our leaders to be strong, we also want them to be benevolent and accessible. This can be in part because of how they treat their followers. Someone who respects everyone, regardless of status, will likely be perceived as gracious and worth looking up to. This respect can be a sign of a good temperament and the ability to see value in every connection, which are fantastic traits for a leader. That aside, giving respect is a great way to garner respect, which is a necessity if you want people to follow you.
10. They are never afraid to speak their mind.
Don’t get confused between speaking your mind and saying everything that comes to your head; they’re pretty different, and a natural leader knows this. However, when it comes time to lay down the law and set a precedent, you will find the natural leader heading the conversation. They’re not afraid to act as a voice for the people who might not feel as encouraged to speak, and they’re also not afraid to lay it all out. They know they are offering something of value, and their confidence in doing it makes others feel inclined to follow along.
11. They can give directions.
With larger visions come larger tasks. Leaders know their goals will require tremendous effort as their walking path is the best, not the easiest. This is why it’s also crucial for leaders to be able to delegate and explain what they need to accomplish clearly and concisely. When they built the pyramids, they had to create the schematic, find a way to get the bricks into place, and then find the workforce to execute; all of these tasks fell to the leader of those ancient civilizations. It takes a firm hand to lead, but the result is nothing short of magnificent.
12. They are creative.
Natural leaders show their creativity in many ways—whether it be in their larger-than-life visions and ambitions, unique solutions, and ability to come up with innovative ideas or just crafting compelling narratives for those who follow them. Their unorthodox way of thinking and ability to turn things on their head can often inspire others as new ideas tend to be the most compelling. Though you might think creativity lends itself more to artists, creativity is also necessary for leaders.
13. They’re firm but fair enforcers.
When a firm hand is needed, leaders will do what needs to be done. Though it is better to be loved than hated and feared, being in charge is a complicated paradigm that often leaves even the best leaders looking like a villain occasionally. It can be a slippery slope enforcing rules, but keeping a level head can be the difference between a good leader and a dictator. Knowing when to crack down and give mercy is a delicate balance leaders must strike. The idea of being firm but fair allows people to feel safe under your guidance while remaining compliant.
14. They’re good communicators.
What good is an excellent idea if you cannot share it with others? There is a power in describing your mind’s inner workings with others. Not to mention, it can make achieving things as a team so much easier. Having good linguistic skills is a must, and so is the other side; they must also be good at receiving new information. The sharing of information in a clear, concise, and approachable manner is the only way to ensure your ideas get to where they need to be, so leaders will need to develop this skill.
15. They excel at making sound decisions.
When the pressure is on, it’s not uncommon to make mistakes. However, a natural leader will do everything possible to avoid making reckless choices. They often see the people who look up to them and their reputation at stake when making big decisions and will put extra effort into reasoning through it. Good leaders will check their work multiple times and hone their instincts to give them the best chance at success. Despite not being perfect (who is?), they make an earnest effort to make the best decisions possible so that everyone who looks up to them can be better off.
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