15 Qualities The Most Successful Leaders Have

We all want to be successful leaders.  Each day leaders strive to get better and better.  When our leadership journey has concluded, each one of us wants to be able to say we achieved our maximum potential and impacted as many people as possible.  So the question begs, what are the qualities of a successful leader?

In the October 5th edition of Sports Illustrated, writer Pierre McGuire ranked the top coaches in professional hockey.  As I read the descriptions of the Top 10, I knew they possessed the qualities all leaders hope to have regardless of their industry.

The following are 15 Qualities The Most Successful Leaders Have I gleaned from McGuire’s article:

1. The Most Successful Leaders Show Respect – People are the only appreciable asset your organization has.  Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks is known for the respect he shows his players.
2. The Most Successful Leaders Delegate Outcomes – Quenneville also trusts his assistant coaches and delegates to them.
3. The Most Successful Leaders Are Strategic Planners – Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a wise gameday tactician.
4. The Most Successful Leaders Handle Pressure Well – Alain Vigneault of the New York Rangers successfully deals with the intense local media.
5. The Most Successful Leaders Position People For Success – Claude Julien of the Boston Bruins does a great job creating roles for those on his team.
6. The Most Successful Leaders Demand Accountability – Julien demands the Bruin players perform their created roles with excellence.
7. The Most Successful Leaders Are Teachers – Peter Laviolette of the Nashville Predators is an excellent teacher of his offensive system.
8. The Most Successful Leaders Have Relational Skills – Laviolette has become more player-friendly with experience.
9. The Most Successful Leaders Create A Healthy Culture – Bob Hartley of the Calgary Flames, last year’s Jack Adams winner for Coach of the Year, understands the power of a healthy culture and environment.
10. The Most Successful Leaders Invest In The Next Generation – Todd McLellan of the Edmonton Oilers is skilled at connecting with younger players.
11. The Most Successful Leaders Have High Intelligence – Dave Tippett of the Arizona Coyotes was one of the most cerebral players in the game and is now one of its smartest coaches.
12. The Most Successful Leaders Are Good Stewards – Tippett is skilled at getting the most out of little in terms of talent.
13. The Most Successful Leaders Are Great Communicators – Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightening continually keeps his message fresh.
14. The Most Successful Leaders Trust Their Teams – Cooper trusts his players’ skill sets and releases them to carry out their assignments.
15. The Most Successful Leaders Have High Integrity – Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals is known for being an honest and loyal coach.

What is one area listed above you can improve in during 2016?

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