5 leadership qualities that are often overlooked

The ability to see things differently

There is much discussion about a leader's ability to perceive things as accurately and realistically as possible.

However, limited attention is paid to a leader's ability to see things in an alternative way that is different from what other people think as the correct way.

Although being realistic certainly has its place in a leader's set of qualities, it is truly important for a leader to be able to think in a different light than other people normally do.

This is crucial at crisis times, when ordinary thinking is not enough.

It is essentially what makes a leader lead and other people follow his or her step.

The ability to do things differently

It goes without saying that the ability to see things differently should also be accompanied by the ability to actually do things differently.

Although there is nothing wrong with daydreaming, when it comes to leading people and organizations, the practical implementation of dreams and visions is what matters.

Unless a leader can put to practice his or her ideas, which are different from what other people believe, and enjoy success, or fail, as a result, he or she will be considered a theorist with great ideas that are of little practical value though.

The ability to switch between leadership styles

Sooner or later, anyone in a position of leading people will realize that there is not any single leadership style that can be applied to every situation with the same effectiveness.

A leader who adopts and implements the same leadership style all the time may have temporary success.

In the medium to long run, however, as things evolve, people change, and new challenges arise, sticking to a "good old" leadership style may prove to be ineffective.

What is more, rather than facilitating the smooth operation of an organization, insisting on following an outdated approach to leadership can harm the organization and the leader's reputation and image.

Therefore, it is critical for a leader to be able to know when he or she should switch to a more suitable leadership style, as well as identify that style.

The ability to constantly learn

Relevant to a leader's ability to change leadership styles as required is also his or her ability to continue to learn throughout his or her career.

If a leader stops learning for any reason, he or she will automatically stay behind current developments in his or her field.

At the same time, however, competitors will do their best to keep abreast of the latest trends.

Besides, he or she will also have problems within the organization for various reasons.

For example, he or she will find it hard to meet targets and produce results due to failing to keep up with new knowledge that is essential for organizational success.

On the other hand, even his or her subordinates will lose their trust in him or her, because they will realize that his past learning and knowledge are of very little use at the present.

The ability to see things to an end

Getting results is paramount to organizational success, and is usually what distinguishes a great from a mediocre leader.

Too much work in progress may imply a tendency for procrastination, and result in finishing nothing.

A leader should be able to understand that proper planning not only helps in setting goals, but also in allocating the right resources to meet those goals.

In this way, a leader will be able to increase his or her chances of success by delivering results through the completion of tasks, assignments, and projects, rather than leaving things unfinished or semi-finished.

Sources and further reading:

5 leadership skills that are overlooked but essential

6 often-overlooked traits that separate great leaders from average ones

Top 10 underrated leadership traits

5 Overlooked Habits of Great Leaders