In today’s dynamic business landscape, leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about influence, accountability, and results. According to TTI Success Insights (TTISI), which specializes in human behavior assessments, research shows that five critical qualities consistently define effective leaders: influencing others, personal accountability, self-management, goal achievement, and interpersonal skills. These aren’t just theoretical attributes—they are practical capabilities that can be cultivated with intention.
- Influencing Others
At the core of leadership is the ability to inspire and persuade. Influential leaders articulate a compelling vision and gain buy-in through authenticity and empathy.
A study by Zenger/Folkman found that leaders who influence others effectively have higher employee engagement and performance levels (Forbes).
How to improve:
- Practice active listening.
- Master the art of storytelling.
- Build trust by following through on promises.
- Personal Accountability
Accountability means owning decisions, actions, and their consequences. Leaders who model accountability foster cultures of transparency and high performance. According to a Harvard Business Review study, teams with accountable leaders experience 20% higher productivity.
How to improve:
- Use reflection tools like journaling to evaluate decisions.
- Set clear expectations for yourself and others.
- Adopt feedback as a growth tool.
- Self-Management
Great leaders manage time, energy, and emotions effectively. They maintain focus under pressure and demonstrate consistency. Emotional intelligence (EQ), a vital component of self-management, is often a stronger predictor of success than IQ (TalentSmart).
How to improve:
- Use time-blocking techniques to prioritize tasks.
- Incorporate mindfulness or stress-reduction practices.
- Develop emotional regulation through coaching or EQ assessments.
- Goal Achievement
Leaders drive progress by setting clear goals and staying committed. Goal-oriented leadership improves organizational alignment and results. According to Gallup, goal clarity improves employee engagement by 27% (Gallup Workplace).
How to improve:
- Use SMART goals to create clarity.
- Review progress weekly using KPIs or OKRs. (Key performance indicators / Objective and key results)
- Celebrate small wins to maintain momentum.
- Interpersonal Skills
Strong interpersonal skills enable leaders to build strong relationships, manage conflict, and communicate effectively. This quality fosters collaboration and psychological safety, both essential in high-performing teams.
How to improve:
- Take personality or communication style assessments like DISC or EQ.
- Invest in team-building experiences.
- Practice empathy and curiosity in every interaction.
Final Thoughts
Leadership isn’t innate—it’s developed. TTISI’s research underscores that effective leaders share these five qualities, and each can be nurtured with focused effort. Whether you’re an emerging manager or a seasoned executive, investing in these areas can elevate your leadership and empower those around you.
For those looking to deepen their leadership capabilities, tools like TTI Success Insights assessments can provide a personalized roadmap for growth.
Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com
Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com
574.361.2674
Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.
