Many years ago, someone once told me that by the time you’re 40, you’re responsible for your own facial expression. This statement made a deep impression on me.
Germany is not exactly known for its joie de vivre and cheerfulness; “German Angst” and our closed hearts are infamous worldwide. The fear, frustration, and inability to reflect on one’s own processes, to control them, and to adjust communication accordingly, often leap out from every LinkedIn comment. For those who want to be truly successful as leaders—leading people in a way that they voluntarily work towards a common goal with motivation—emotional intelligence and communication must become the top priorities in personal development.
But what else does it take?
The role of a leader is undoubtedly one of the most demanding tasks in today’s professional world. In addition to technical knowledge, certain personal skills are essential, not only to overcome daily challenges but also to create an inspiring and sustainable corporate culture. In this article, we will examine the five most important traits that distinguish a successful leader. These traits are not only supported by psychological theories but also by recent research findings as essential for success.
1. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and appropriately regulate one’s own emotions as well as those of others. Daniel Goleman (1995) is one of the most prominent proponents of this concept and has shown that EI is a key factor for leadership success. A meta-analysis by Joseph et al. (2015) confirms that emotional intelligence has a significant impact on team performance. Empathetic leaders who understand the feelings of their employees and the needs of the team create a trusting and motivating work environment.
Emotional intelligence allows leaders to better understand interpersonal dynamics, identify conflicts early, and promote solution-oriented communication. This not only enhances team productivity but also supports the development of a positive corporate culture in which employees feel safe and valued.
A crucial aspect of emotional intelligence is self-regulation. It enables leaders to remain calm in stressful situations rather than reacting impulsively. This leads to more thoughtful decisions and constructive conflict resolution. Self-regulation also means recognizing one’s own limits and proactively countering stress—an indispensable foundation for stable and sustainable leadership.
2. Decisiveness
Leaders are challenged daily to make significant decisions that affect both the present and the future of the company. The classic study by Tannenbaum and Schmidt (1958) shows that successful leaders make decisions that are both swift and well-founded. Decisiveness involves the ability to effectively analyze information, assess risks, and act decisively. A leader who has confidence in their judgment and puts risks into the right context conveys a sense of security to their team.
However, decisions are not just about speed. They must also be communicated clearly so that the entire team understands the consequences and the actions to be taken. Transparency fosters trust and helps employees align more closely with the company’s strategy.
A decisive leadership style promotes team members’ sense of responsibility. Employees who are allowed to make their own decisions develop a stronger sense of belonging and higher motivation. This not only enhances efficiency but also improves the team’s overall problem-solving capabilities. In crisis situations, the importance of decisiveness becomes particularly evident—clear, targeted leadership is essential.
3. Communication Skills
A successful leader must be able to communicate complex issues clearly and understandably. It is not only important to convey information but also to listen actively. According to the study by Men (2014), open and transparent communication significantly increases employee loyalty and engagement. Leaders who can clearly communicate expectations, goals, and visions make a decisive contribution to the effectiveness and satisfaction of their teams.
However, communication is not just about transmitting; it’s also about receiving. Good leaders listen actively and show genuine interest in their team members’ concerns. By listening actively, they can identify challenges early on and better understand team dynamics. The ability to read between the lines allows them to capture emotional nuances and respond accordingly.
Another aspect of communication skills is the ability to adapt to different communication styles. Everyone has their own preferences for how they receive and process information. Successful leaders can adjust their messages according to their audience. This ability not only improves understanding but also increases acceptance and willingness among employees to take on responsibility.
4. Adaptability
Our world is increasingly shaped by rapid changes. Adaptability is therefore undoubtedly an essential quality of leaders. A study by Yukl and Mahsud (2010) shows that flexible leaders are more successful in the long term because they can respond to unforeseen challenges and adjust their strategies accordingly. Adaptability means being ready to leave well-trodden paths and find creative solutions.
Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of being flexible in responding to change. Adaptive leaders see the opportunities inherent in every change and motivate their teams to approach change positively. This positive attitude helps reduce fears and uncertainties while fostering a forward-thinking mindset.
Adaptability, however, is not only about the willingness to respond to external changes but also about the ability to adapt one’s leadership style to the situation. Different circumstances and team compositions require different approaches. An adaptive leader can tailor their methods to meet the needs of employees and the specific conditions at hand. This creates a work environment in which employees feel secure and supported, thereby enhancing creativity and performance.
5. Integrity
Integrity is the moral foundation of any leader. Brown and Treviño (2006) have shown that ethical leadership directly influences employee loyalty and engagement. Leaders who embody integrity strengthen trust within the team and set high standards for moral behavior. This trust is crucial for long-term successful collaboration.
Integrity means not only keeping promises but also taking responsibility for one’s actions. An authentic leader acts in line with their values and principles. They treat their employees fairly and set clear ethical standards for their conduct. This authenticity ensures that employees feel safe and valued, which, in turn, encourages them to fully commit.
Leaders who admit mistakes and handle them transparently foster a culture of learning. Mistakes are seen as opportunities for improvement rather than something to hide. This openness promotes innovation and encourages employees to take risks and develop creative solutions. Integrity is thus not only a personal value but also a prerequisite for creating a culture in which employees can realize their full potential.
Conclusion: The Key to Successful Leadership
Leadership is a challenging and dynamic task that goes far beyond technical expertise. Successful leaders distinguish themselves through emotional intelligence, decisiveness, communication skills, adaptability, and integrity. These five traits form the foundation of effective leadership, enabling not only short-term successes but also creating a long-term positive and sustainable corporate culture.
Reflect on which of these traits you already possess and where you still see potential for growth. Leadership is a continuous learning process—and the good news is: All the mentioned skills can be developed and improved. Perhaps it is time to consciously focus on one of these qualities and take the next step in your development.
Successful leadership does not mean doing everything yourself or controlling every step. It means creating an environment where employees feel safe and empowered to take responsibility and fully utilize their strengths. The path to successful leadership begins with personal growth—which step will you take next?
References
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
- Joseph, D. L., Jin, J., Newman, D. A., & O’Boyle, E. H. (2015). Why Does Self-Reported Emotional Intelligence Predict Job Performance? A Meta-Analytic Investigation of Mixed EI. Journal of Applied Psychology, 100(2), 298-342.
- Tannenbaum, R., & Schmidt, W. H. (1958). How to Choose a Leadership Pattern. Harvard Business Review, 36(2), 95-101.
- Men, L. R. (2014). Strategic Internal Communication: Transformational Leadership, Communication Channels, and Employee Satisfaction. Management Communication Quarterly, 28(2), 264-284.
- Yukl, G., & Mahsud, R. (2010). Why Flexible and Adaptive Leadership is Essential. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 62(2), 81-93.
- Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical Leadership: A Review and Future Directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595-616.
