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Whether they’re the CEO of a company or a team manager, a person is typically declared a ‘leader’ once they reach a certain professional status. But what really makes a leader? At Top Agent Magazine, we have interviewed thousands of successful leaders in real estate. There are key traits that every person of power seems to possess, and though those who lead may have different roles and responsibilities in the world, they all usually have several characteristics in common. In this article, we will take a deep dive into leadership and share ten typical personality traits of successful business leaders.
10 typical personality traits of successful business leader
1. Confidence
Perhaps the most defining feature of a business leader is their confidence – it’s very uncommon to come across someone in a leadership position who lacks it. While they can be insecure in other areas of their life, their confidence in their role as a leader is palpable. They truly believe in what they’re working on and that becomes a major reason why their followers respect and abide by them. This high level of self-esteem in their work gives them the courage to pursue new, ambitious goals, and take on challenges that others would shy away from. Confidence is the key to becoming a business leader, without it, there would be no innovation or growth.
2. Passion
Alongside confidence is passion. Successful business leaders must love what they’re doing, knowing that their work is meaningful and impactful. They are driven to excel, and never lose momentum for long even if they are faced with unprecedented challenges. It’s their passion that gets them through the hard days, as they can’t imagine themselves doing anything else. Having this love for what they do inspires those that follow them, helping to increase team morale and productivity.
3. Optimism
Having a positive outlook is not only an important aspect of living a healthy life, it’s also vital for business growth. Being optimistic is a key trait for any successful business leader, because having a lot of responsibilities means there will undoubtedly be setbacks and roadblocks. Always seeing the bright side of things keeps leaders going, and also sets the tone for the rest of the business. If workers see a business leader unphased, or even inspired, by a seemingly negative event, they will follow suit and gain confidence in themselves.
4. Persistence
The steps it takes to become a successful business leader are long and deter many people. It can be quite a journey, and patience will be tested. Anyone who makes it out the other side and becomes a business leader has a high level of persistence, rarely letting challenges get them down. It’s this resilience that makes them unique and eventually leads them towards success. Everything they learned along the way provides them with ample experience and the ability to mentor those who follow them.
5. Focus
There are many distractions along the way, so it’s important to have a strong ability to focus. This goes for both the short and long term. Those who become successful business leaders are able to create and focus on goals that help them grow now and for years into the future. Without this concentration, they would not be productive enough to stand out and attain a higher level of power.
6. Flexibility
Adaptability is also key when it comes to being a leader. Things are always changing, and rather than getting stuck in their ways, successful business leaders are open to new strategies, technologies, and approaches. They embrace flexibility, using it as a way to creatively overcome obstacles. Leaders understand that change is an opportunity to learn and grow. They thrive in varying environments by constantly seeking innovative solutions and remaining proactive in the face of challenges.
7. Curiosity
Any leader who is flexible is inherently curious, because malleability lends to an openness towards exploring. Without curiosity, business leaders would simply not grow enough to become successful. It’s this trait that drives continual innovation and motivates those surrounding the leader to work hard, finding new solutions to old problems.
8. Self-discipline
Self-discipline goes hand-in-hand with focus, but brings more strictness to it. It’s too easy to become distracted and give up on something the moment it becomes hard. But having self-discipline helps people achieve remarkable goals, giving them an edge in the business world. Those who have self-discipline can reach great heights in their career, often becoming business leaders because they never lose grip of their goals.
9. Organization
As they grow and build their work, things can get messy fast. Responsibilities mount and before long, meetings and paperwork seem to take over. Staying organized is a key trait of successful business owners, because without it, they would not be able to stay productive. This characteristic helps them prioritize tasks, working on what’s important to meet deadlines and goals. People who are organized can manage many duties and tasks as they know exactly where to fit them into their schedule.
10. People-oriented
Though not all leaders are incredibly social, many have an affinity towards making connections. They understand the importance of networking and often are able to attain their leadership role through the people with whom they’ve created strong connections. It demonstrates a commitment to mutual support and collaboration, essential for broadening opportunities and enhancing personal growth.
From confidence and passion to curiosity and self-discipline, each trait plays a pivotal role in shaping a leader capable of navigating the complexities of today’s business world. It is these qualities that not only define their leadership but also influence those around them. Leaders who have these traits rise to the top and bring others along with them, creating an environment where success is shared and sustainable.
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Top Agent Magazine highlights the achievements of top real estate agents, mortgage lenders, property managers, and real estate attorneys worldwide. A feature story in the magazine is highly coveted and only offered to those who meet the publication's benchmarks for success. Their profiles offer a deep-dive into the successful career paths of real estate professionals, providing inspiration to readers across the globe.
