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The question then is "What is it that characterizes a good leader?"

"What makes a good leader stand out from the crowd?"

Good leaders develop successful skills and consistently use them. Results come from the successful things that you do in a regular basis.

Here are some examples of good leadership skills:

Assertive Communication

The ability to communicate assertively is very important in leadership. To be able to communicate assertively means that you have the ability to communicate what you need and want from team members in a way that also respects their needs and wants as well as your own. It is an objective form of communication rather than subjective. The communication focus is fact and behaviour based rather than personal, and avoids causing the other person to feel threatened or get defensive. Assertive communication uses 'I' language rather than 'You' language

Listening Skills

Good leaders are good listeners. Developing good listening skills has a number of benefits. By listening to your team members it validates them as being significant and helps build a good working relationship. Through developing active listening leaders are able to pick up not only on the words it self but the intent, and any underlying messages. Listening also gives the opportunity to clarify understanding, improve understanding and gives an opportunity for feedback. All these aspects will strengthen your relationships with team members.

Goal Setting and Planning

Good leadership skills must include the ability to set clear direction and plan all the tasks and actions necessary to get there. A good leader can inspire a shared vision so that all the members take ownership of it and work together towards the same purpose. This involves the ability to see the bigger picture, as well as the necessary details.

Good Decision Making

Good leadership is characterized by the ability to make good decisions. A leader considers all the different factors before making a decision. A clear decision creates confidence in the leadership. Good leaders also have flexibility into their decisions, so that there is a willing to adjust factors in the decision to obtain better results.

Availability

A good leader is available and in touch with people. An important leadership skill is the ability to recognize needs and be able to respond to them quickly and in the moment.

An Understanding of Group Dynamics

A good leader understands the dynamics of group relationships. Successful leaders have the ability to lead groups without conflict and minimizing disharmony. They are inclusive and skilled in creating a sense of team unity. They are adept at balancing the strengths and weaknesses of the group for best results.

These are a few examples of good leadership skills that characterize leaders that achieve successful results. Good leaders maintain their success by consistently investing in their professional development to improve their skills and keep on learning to stay up to date in their knowledge.