Are You Leadership Material? 4 Traits That Show You Have Leadership Potential

By Perminus Wainaina 

Word on the street is that “leaders are born not made.”

What is your take?

Did you inherit the talents and traits that will help you step up into the next management role?

Or

Are you continuously learning and mastering the skills and competencies that will earn you your next promotion in a leadership role?”

Owned or earned, leadership skills play a pivotal role in the development of your career. The ability to efficiently inspire, motivate and direct others-demands a complex pool of competencies and character.

So whether born or made, these are the top 4 traits that indicate you were cut out from the leadership cloth.

1. Confidence

Confidence is the solid rock foundation upon which leadership is built.

As a professional, you may possess innate talents or you may even learn fundamental leadership skills such as effective public speaking, problem-solving or decision making.

However, if you fail to believe in yourself, you are a leader only by job title.

Fortunately, confidence can be learned and gained through experience and continuous self-development.

Charity works as a Marketing Assistant for an FMCG company. The Marketing Manager is leaving the organization in a few months. With 5 years of experience under her belt, Charity has invested her time, sweat and tears in the company and is being considered for the position.

However, as an introvert, Charity is filled with a lot of self-doubt, particularly her lack of presence stemming from her inability to speak up and stand out. Can Charity gain the confidence needed to thrive, outshine and lead extroverts as an introverted marketing manager?

The answer is a resounding yes. Charity enrolled for a short course geared towards helping her speak with confidence. Due to the practical nature of the course, Charity was able to get out of her comfort zone, face her public speaking fears and is now acing it as a manager.

With the right attitude, perception, practice, and experience, you too can build your confidence.

Read on to see more Traits That Show You Have Leadership Potential.