Natural leaders are often the people we gravitate towards, the ones who seem to have a magnetic aura that draws us in.
But what if I told you that you might be a natural leader and not even know it?
In this article, we’re going to explore 12 traits that are common in natural leaders. If you recognize these traits in yourself, congratulations!
You’ve got what it takes to lead and inspire others. So, let’s dive in:
1) A natural leader is an excellent communicator
If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where your words seem to effortlessly convey your thoughts and ideas, you may be a natural leader.
You see, great leaders are excellent communicators who can clearly articulate their message to others.
But that’s not all…
They understand the importance of listening and being open to feedback, allowing for an effective two-way conversation.
2) You’re not afraid to make decisions
Natural leaders have a knack for making decisions, even when the stakes are high. They understand that indecision can be detrimental to progress and can make tough calls when necessary.
And it doesn’t stop there, they consult with others or weigh the pros and cons, but when push comes to shove, they can make decisions confidently and stand by them!
Case in point:
Once I had to make a critical decision to let go of a team member who was underperforming.
It wasn’t an easy choice, but as a leader, I knew it was the right move for the team’s overall success.
Did I enjoy it? No.
But was it necessary? Absolutely.
3) You empower others
Another trait of natural leaders is that they genuinely care about the growth and success of those around them.
They work to uplift and empower others, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
There may have been times when you’ve asked someone how to do something and the response was probably simple, such as “Just do it like this”.
In contrast…
Good leaders would explain why you need to do things a certain way, and they’d warn you of the challenges you might encounter.
This is because a natural leader wants to ensure that you understand the task properly, which in turn empowers you to take ownership and control over your work!
So, if you find yourself investing time and energy into the well-being and growth of your teammates, you’re exhibiting the traits of a true leader.
4) You have a vision
A clear vision is a hallmark of a natural leader.
These individuals can see the bigger picture and set goals that align with this vision.
So, if you have a knack for creating a compelling vision and inspiring others to work towards it, you’re likely a born leader!
In a previous job when I was managing a team, I had a vision for transforming our department into a high-performing and innovative unit.
By setting ambitious goals and rallying the team behind this vision, we made tremendous progress toward achieving it.
It was hard work, but it was worth it, and it all came down to having a vision and sticking to it! But with that in mind, it’s also important to know when to be flexible…which leads me to my next point:
5) Adaptability is your middle name
In a constantly changing world, adaptability is a crucial trait for a leader.
Natural leaders are able to pivot when faced with new challenges and adjust their strategies accordingly.
So, if you’re someone who thrives in change and embraces the opportunity to learn and grow, you possess the traits of a natural leader!
A person I once met with these traits told me: “I reserve my right to change my opinion”
As you can see, natural leaders make firm decisions but they do not ignore their right to change their mind if they realize there is an even better way than what their original plan was.
6) You’re a great problem solver
Natural leaders are fantastic problem solvers, able to think critically and analytically to find solutions.
They don’t shy away from challenges, but rather, embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning!
In my experience, when facing a challenge, natural leaders’ brain circuits automatically move on to finding a solution as if they wouldn’t even acknowledge that there is a problem – they’re not thrown off by a challenge.
So what does that mean for you?
Well, if you’re the person others turn to when they need help resolving a complex issue, you’re exhibiting the traits of a true leader!
7) You possess emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and the emotions of those around you.
Natural leaders have a high level of emotional intelligence, which allows them to:
- Navigate complex social situations
- Resolve conflicts
- Build strong relationships
If you relate to the above, it shows you’re in tune with your own feelings and the feelings of others.
Put simply:
You’re well on your way to being a great leader!
8) You’re a master of time management
Another trait of a natural leader is staying on top of time management.
The truth is, great leaders are able to juggle multiple priorities and manage their time effectively.
If you find yourself constantly staying on top of deadlines and ensuring that tasks are completed on schedule, you’re demonstrating the traits of a natural leader.
But I know what you’re thinking – leaders are still human. And rightly so!
Let’s be honest, plans get messed up and even the most organized person can be late.
Here’s the thing though, natural leaders are also great empathizers and communicators – if they can’t make it on time, they’ll let you know as soon as possible.
And that’s because they believe in doing the right thing and living with integrity, which I’ll discuss in this next point…
9) You have a strong moral compass
Natural leaders have a strong sense of integrity and ethics. They adhere to their core values and principles, even in the face of adversity.
If you consistently make decisions based on what’s right rather than what’s easy or convenient, you’re showcasing the qualities of a true leader!
In my own experience, when faced with a situation where our company was offered a lucrative but ethically questionable deal, I stood firm on my principles and declined, despite the potential financial gain.
My decision ultimately earned the respect of my team and superiors.
10) You’re a lifelong learner
Are you the type who enjoys learning and improving yourself as a person?
Great leaders are always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. They understand that there’s always room for improvement and are open to constructive criticism.
So, if you’re someone who actively seeks out new knowledge and experiences, you’re exhibiting the traits of a natural leader.
Think about it this way:
Natural leaders see life almost as a video game.
They are constantly looking to increase their skill set and toolkit. This helps them navigate through challenges and life situations, and they’re happy to share and enrich others with their knowledge.
11) You inspire trust and loyalty
And because they’re so willing to share knowledge with their team members, they create a healthy and supportive environment!
Here’s the thing:
Natural leaders have a unique ability to inspire trust and loyalty in those around them. They lead by example, demonstrating honesty, transparency, and consistency in their actions.
If your team members trust you and are willing to follow your lead, you’re on the right path to being a great leader.
12) You embrace responsibility
And finally, natural leaders are accountable for their actions and take responsibility for their team’s successes and failures.
If you’re someone who’s willing to step up and own your mistakes, as well as celebrate your team’s achievements, you’re demonstrating the right traits!
You show your team the importance of taking ownership, and this creates a safe environment for them to do the same.
Conclunsion
In conclusion, if you recognize these 12 traits in yourself, you’re well on your way to being a natural leader.
Embrace your strengths, continue to learn and grow, and you’ll undoubtedly make a lasting impact on those around you!
