Qualities of Excellent Leaders

Having spent years working in various leadership roles, including as a research programme director at ABB, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing great leadership in action, and it’s clear that such leaders share certain key qualities. Whether it’s inspiring a team or navigating challenging situations, the best leaders are those who create a compelling vision and foster a supportive environment.

When I think back to my time at ABB, a large multinational corporation, one leader stands out: Hans Levander. At his retirement dinner, a colleague described Hans as the best leader anyone could hope to work for. What made Hans so remarkable was his visionary nature. He had a unique talent for seeing the big picture and inspiring his team to work toward that vision. But vision alone isn’t enough. Hans also excelled at leveraging people’s strengths, ensuring that everyone on his team felt valued and empowered to contribute their best work. And that things got done. He treated everyone equally, breaking down hierarchical barriers and building cohesive, high-performing teams.

Another leader I admire is Charlotte Brogren. Balancing her role as a programme director with leading her own research team, and raising a family of three small children, Charlotte demonstrated incredible organisational skills. She was a master at communication, especially when it came to delivering difficult messages. Her approach ensured that even in tough times, her colleagues remained motivated and understood the bigger picture. Charlotte’s ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining team morale is a testament to her exceptional leadership.

In leadership workshops, we often discuss what makes the best leaders. Qualities such as visionary, supportive, communicator and fairness are consistently highlighted. Theoretical frameworks, such as transformational leadership theory, support these observations. According to this theory, effective leaders inspire and motivate by creating a shared vision and fostering an inclusive environment. They lead by example, show empathy, and communicate effectively.

However, leadership is not about trying to embody every possible positive quality. Instead, it’s about understanding which qualities resonate with you and expressing them authentically. Whether it’s being a visionary like Hans, a communicator like Charlotte, or something entirely different, the key is to be genuine in your leadership style. People appreciate leaders who are consistent and true to their values.

Ultimately, the qualities of excellent leaders are about making people feel valued, inspiring them to work towards common goals, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. As you reflect on your leadership journey, consider how you can cultivate these qualities. After all, leadership is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery.