What leadership qualities do you look for in a job candidate?

Originally answered Aug 13, 2018

1. Adaptable

• Flexible: willing to try different courses of action
• Resilient: overcomes difficulties, withstands setbacks, and meets challenges
• Open-minded: considers the opinions of others

2. Assertive

• Takes initiative
• Consistently achieves challenging objectives and meets commitments
• Makes effective decisions in a timely manner

3. Calm

• Maintains a high level of performance even when under pressure
• Even-tempered even when dealing with unpleasant circumstances
• Balances logic and emotions when interacting with others

4. Service-oriented

• Understands the needs and concerns of those served
• Responds promptly and effectively to those served
• Eager to help and support those served

5. Creative

• Develops innovative approaches to problem solving
• Invents new ways of doing things
• Willing to try out bold ideas

6. Collaborative

• Acknowledges others’ contributions
• Works effectively with others
• Builds partnerships and networks

7. Communicative

• Speaks, writes, and presents effectively
• Listens actively
• Shares openly and regularly

8. Dynamic

• Gets results
• Balances analysis with action
• Sets high standards

9. Influential

• Gains support and commitment from others even without formal authority
• Resolves differences by determining needs and forging solutions that benefit all parties
• Facilitates teamwork across organizational boundaries

10. Personable

• Gets along well with many different types of people
• Nurtures relationships
• Liked by others