What is the top leadership quality? Leadership is a subject that has long been a subject of interest for researchers and professionals alike. And for a good reason: the success of any organization or company largely depends upon its leadership.
This leads one to question: what is the most important quality for leadership?
Nelson Mandela, the South African antiapartheid activist, strongly believed courage to be the top leadership quality.
“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
-Nelson Mandela
What are the Qualities of a Courageous Leader?
- Courageous Leaders Have Moral Courage
One of the top leadership qualities is moral courage. Moral courage comes from a sense of integrity and the personality trait of conscientiousness. A conscientious leader has the ability to distinguish right from wrong and the courage to make the right choice for the greater good, even if the consequences go against him. Staying on your moral values is no easy feat, it takes nerves to be able to stand up for what is right.
“Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty”
-Nelson Mandela
- Courageous Leaders are Agents of Change
Another quality that distinguishes leaders from followers is that they take the initiative to bring change to society. What do Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, and Mother Teresa have in common? They are agents of change- challenging the predominant defective status quo and motivating others to join them in their battle against the wrongdoings prevalent in their society. They do not seek safety in conformity but are ready to embrace the chaos of change.
“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
-Nelson Mandela
- Courageous Leaders Stay Firm on Their Vision
Leaders have a broad vision. What’s more, they stay firm on their vision. Oftentimes leaders may lose sight of their organization’s vision amid day-to-day hassles and changes. As a leader, one must constantly refresh their commitment to the vision of the organization and remind it to their followers as well so they make sure everyday activities are kept aligned with it.
“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.“
-Nelson Mandela
- Courageous Leaders Empower Their Followers, Not Decapacitate Them
Another sign of courageous leadership is that they empathize with the people in their society- their followers, and want to ease their hardships. They struggle not for their own glory rather they have compassion for the disadvantaged people around them and make an effort to empower them. Such leaders are not power-hungry, they do not boss people around and try to control and micromanage. In fact, they engage in capacity building of their people and make sure to involve them in important decisions of the organization.
“A leader…is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”
-Nelson Mandela
- Courageous Leaders are Authentic and Humble
It takes courage to speak the truth. Courageous leaders are sincere and honest. They are open about their beliefs and opinions because they don’t fear anyone. Being authentic, they believe in transparency and do not hide their values and behavior from others. They remain humble and are accessible to their people- staying all ears towards their problems and making them feel valued.
“If you want the cooperation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important – and you do that by being genuine and humble.”
-Nelson Mandela
- Courageous Leaders Own Their Mistakes
One of the most important qualities of leadership is to be able to own your failures as much as your successes. Leaders do not hide behind their followers if their teams get bad results. When things go south, they take responsibility for being in charge and acknowledge their mistakes.
“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
-Nelson Mandela
- Courageous Leaders Stay Firm in Times of Uncertainty
Leaders are the ones whom people turn to in times of crisis. Therefore, leaders must stand their ground during uncertain times and take difficult decisions. They offer stability in rough times, inspire hope and optimism in their followers and lead with dignity through a crisis. Instead of panicking in uncertain times, they keep their heads about and make rational decisions.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
-Nelson Mandela
- Courageous Leaders Take Unpopular Decisions
Leaders have this quality of taking unpopular yet effective decisions. Their aim is not to gain social approval rather they are committed to their organization. In order to achieve their organization’s goals, they have the courage to take difficult decisions that might face opposition from their followers but are important for the organization.
“I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists. I tell them that I was also a terrorist yesterday, but, today, I am admired by the very people who said I was one.”
–Nelson Mandela