Based on surveys of more than 15,000 people, which of these traits do you think was selected as the key to effective leadership:
• Being fair-minded?
• Being co-operative?
• Being honest?
• Being imaginative?
If you guessed “honest”, you get a high mark. It scored far above any of the other in a list of 20. In fact, the top four characteristics of admired leaders and the percentage of people who selected them are:
• Being honest—87%
• Being forward-looking—71%
• Being inspirational—68%
• Being competent—58%
“If these qualities alone were running for office,” say the authors of Credibility, “they are the cones that would achieve consensus and victory.” Honest people, say authors James M.Kouzes and Barry Z.Posner, have credibility—and that’s what gives leaders the trust and confidence of their people.
– Source: Health Insurance Commission Qld Newsletter