Characteristics of an Admired Leader

We look for special qualities in our leaders. Leaders are chosen by their constituents. Leadership is earned, not given. Research indicates that the attributes listed below account for most of the qualities we admire. The questionnaire below has been completed by more than 175,000 people worldwide in the last 30 years.

From this list of 20, please select the 4 that you most look for and admire in a leader.

__ Ambitious aspiring, hard working, striving _ __ Broadminded open-minded, flexible, receptive, tolerant _ __ Caring appreciative, compassionate, concerned, loving, nurturing _ __ Competent capable, proficient, effective, efficient, professional _ __ Cooperative collaborative, team player, responsive _ __ Courageous bold, daring, fearless, gutsy _ __ Dependable reliable, conscientious, responsible _ __ Determined dedicated, resolute, persistent, purposeful _ __ Fair-Minded just, unprejudiced, objective, forgiving, willing to pardon others _ __ Forward-Looking visionary, concerned about the future, sense of direction _ __ Honest truthful, has integrity, trustworthy, has character _ __ Imaginative creative, innovative, curious _ __ Independent self-reliant, self-sufficient, self-confident _ __ Inspiring uplifting, enthusiastic, energetic, humorous, cheerful, positive _ __ Intelligent bright, thoughtful, intellectual, reflective, logical _ __ Loyal faithful, dutiful, unswerving in allegiance, devoted _ __ Mature experience, wisdom, depth _ __ Self-Controlled restrained, self-disciplined _ __ Straightforward direct, candid, forthright _ __ Supportive helpful, offers assistance, comforting _

Adapted from The Leadership Challenge (2007) by Kouzes & Posner.