Ten Traits of Effective Leaders

Charles F. Knight, the legendary CEO of Emerson Electric, discusses the attributes that distinguish effective leaders:  (Excerpts from Harvard Management Update, Oct. 2005)

 

1. Be committed to success

 

2. Set proper priorities

 

3. Set and demand high standards

 

4. Be tough but fair in dealing with people

 

"Being tough does not imply being heartless or irresponsible. Rather, it's what it takes to make a company run efficiently, to make capital productive, jobs steady and remunerative, and to produce quality products at low cost for the benefit of society."

 

"It's critical for leaders to choose the right people as their direct reports so that they maximize their time and capabilities."

 

5. Concentrate on positives and possibilities

 

6. Develop and maintain a strong sense of urgency

 

7. Pay attention to detail

 

"Getting as much information as possible is critical to making good decisions."

 

8. Provide for the possibility of failure

 

"An organization must find ways to motivate people to think boldly and creatively."

 

9. Be personally involved

 

"It's impossible to be aloof and inspirational at the same time."

 

"By spending more than half my time in planning, I challenged division leaders to think through their plans and choose their best options."

 

10. Have fun

 

"If you don't enjoy it, it isn't likely that the people you lead and work with will enjoy it either."

 

"Fundamentally, fun comes from collaborating with people who want to do well and from winning."

 

"There is a palpable feeling of excitement that arises when you work with smart and engaged people whose goals and commitment are the same as yours."