A Person’s Character Is the Foundation of Great Leaders

Let me share the five character traits I look for in leaders to define them as great. I think you will agree that Lincoln, Mandela, Reagan, Jefferson, and Adams demonstrate these.

The first trait is integrity. Do the right thing always. Integrity is being able to put your self-interests aside and take the right action. Too many people choose their own interests without hesitation and then act surprised by the suggestion that anyone else would consider another choice. I tell my team members not to do anything they would be embarrassed to read about on the front page of a newspaper or on social media.

The second character trait for great leaders is humility. Be humble and curious; it is essential. People who lack humility think that only an elite few, if any, have contributed to their success. Great leaders realize that their success is a consequence of efforts by many others if not all, the people in their lives. When you are humble, you continually examine others’ ideas and methods because you know you can always get better. To me, this is quite possibly the most potent character trait.

The third character trait for great leaders is expressing care

Show everyone that they are special. You must care for others; everyone deserves it. Too many leaders believe they are entitled…