Leadership is a complex skill that can significantly impact an organization’s success. This article explores 18 admirable leadership qualities, drawing on insights from experienced professionals in the field. From creating space for others to shine to motivating through compassionate leadership, these qualities offer valuable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned leaders.
- Create Space for Others to Shine
- Balance Empathy with Firm Leadership
- Stay Steady During Market Challenges
- Remain Composed in High-Stress Situations
- Provide Clarity Amid Complexity
- Foster Curiosity and Continuous Learning
- Coach Rather Than Micromanage
- Take Responsibility for Team Outcomes
- Make Swift Decisions Under Pressure
- Maintain Passion Through Adversity
- Simplify Complex Ideas Effectively
- Lead with Grace Under Pressure
- Show Authentic Vulnerability
- Communicate Openly to Align Teams
- Demonstrate Consistent Daily Leadership
- Guide with a Clear Vision
- Use Humor to Navigate Challenges
- Motivate Through Compassionate Leadership
Create Space for Others to Shine
If I had to name one leadership quality I admire most, it’s this: the ability to truly notice others and make everyone feel like they matter.
In a world driven by titles, hierarchy, and power dynamics, the leader who stood out for me wasn’t the loudest in the room or the most impressive on paper. They were the ones who made space for others. Who see people, really see them, and ensure their contributions are recognized and valued. I called this “welcoming leadership.”
One leader I worked with embodied this to great effect. During a high-level management meeting, I watched how they didn’t just chair the session, they hosted it. There was a warmth and intentionality in the way they opened the room: relaxed, respectful, and inclusive. People felt safe. Seen. Important.
What struck me most wasn’t any grand speech or sweeping vision. It was how they took the time to highlight each team member’s role in achieving the bigger picture. They made it clear that even the smallest tasks were foundational, the very bedrock upon which larger goals rested. They asked insightful, not intimidating, questions, drawing connections between departments and responsibilities, creating a shared sense of purpose. The result? A room full of empowered, engaged people who understood not only what they were doing, but why it mattered.
It reminded me of the kind of exceptional customer service we’ve all experienced at some point. That feeling of being genuinely welcomed, whether at a hotel, a restaurant, or a shop, when someone takes the time to understand your needs, guide your experience, and make you feel like you belong. You’re not rushed or dismissed. You’re seen, and it changes everything.
Why shouldn’t leadership feel like that?
A great leader creates that same environment within their organization. They don’t just set direction, they build a culture. They help people understand their place in the system, how they contribute, and why it matters. Its leadership is rooted in humanity, not hierarchy.
So here’s my challenge: The next time you have an outstanding customer experience, ask yourself, “What made it exceptional?” What made you feel welcomed, valued, or inspired to buy into that brand?
Now bring that same sense of presence, noticing, and “special” into your next team meeting. Carry it into your one-to-ones. Infuse it into your culture. Be a “welcoming leader.”
Then stand back and watch what happens.
Heather Anstey-Myers, Interim Director & Leadership Coach, Heather Anstey-Myers
Balance Empathy with Firm Leadership
I’ve witnessed a wide range of leadership styles. The one quality I admire most in others, and something I truly strive for myself, is empathy without weakness. It’s about genuinely understanding and connecting with your team and your clients on a human level, but doing so with a clear vision and firm resolve, never letting compassion dilute necessary tough decisions. It means listening deeply to concerns, acknowledging feelings, and showing you care about their well-being, all while holding people accountable and guiding the team forward.
I saw this perfected by a client who ran a manufacturing plant during COVID. When supply chain issues forced layoffs, he didn’t hide behind HR. He met with each affected employee, helped tailor severance packages to individual needs, and even connected people with job opportunities at competitors. But here’s what stood out: while being compassionate, he didn’t back down from the necessary reductions. His team understood the business reality because he presented it with transparency and clarity. Months later, when rehiring began, 80% of those laid off returned—a testament to how he had handled it. At my agency, I’ve adopted this approach when implementing strategies that affect my team. You can deliver hard truths without being heartless if you take the time to understand the human impact first. That balance builds lasting trust.
Kevin Heimlich, Digital Marketing Consultant & Chief Executive Officer, The Ad Firm
Stay Steady During Market Challenges
One leadership quality I really admire is resilience. It’s not just the ability to bounce back, but the capacity to stay steady, make clear decisions, and keep others grounded when things get messy. In real estate, there are plenty of moments that test your resolve: deals fall through, markets shift, and clients face unexpected hurdles.
I remember one year when the market slowed dramatically, and a colleague of mine, who leads a large team in a neighboring market, had every reason to panic. Instead, she leaned into the moment. She was honest with her team about the challenges but never let the tone turn negative. She consistently showed up, focusing on the basics, encouraged creativity, and found ways to adapt without losing sight of her values. Watching her lead during that period taught me a great deal. She didn’t just survive the downturn; her team gained market share.
That kind of resilience is contagious. It creates stability when others might feel stuck, and it reminds people that progress is still possible, even when the path forward isn’t obvious. I try to bring that same mindset to my own team, showing up with consistency, even when it’s hard, because that’s when leadership really counts.
Justin Landis, Founder, The Justin Landis Group
Remain Composed in High-Stress Situations
One leadership quality I deeply admire in others—precisely because it doesn’t come naturally to me—is thoughtfulness in the face of chaos. I tend to be a problem-solver who moves quickly, and when something goes wrong, my instinct is to jump in, take control, and fix it fast. That approach has its strengths, but I’ve seen how powerful a steady, composed presence can be, especially during high-stress situations.
One example that sticks with me happened during a time of sudden team turnover. A close peer of mine, also a CEO, had three key people resign within weeks. It would have rattled anyone; heck, it rattled me just hearing about it.
But she didn’t panic. In fact, other than acknowledging the loss, she didn’t do much at all.
It was a bit baffling at first, but watching it play out made me understand: there is immense value in stopping to think. No one spiralled or panicked, trying to course correct. Her calm set the tone for the whole company, and her team simply stepped up and filled gaps where they could.
Restructuring came later, when everyone had had time to consider the best path forward.
It was a lesson to me—one I’ve found myself returning to time and time again.
Linn Atiyeh, CEO, Bemana
Provide Clarity Amid Complexity
One leadership quality I consistently admire is the ability to create clarity in complex situations. In business, ambiguity is everywhere—markets shift, priorities compete, and teams often face more unknowns than certainties. The leaders I respect most are those who can cut through this noise, articulate a simple direction, and give people both focus and confidence to act.
I recall working with a retail client undergoing an aggressive digital transformation. The board was impatient for results, but internally, the teams struggled with mixed signals from different executives and a tangle of legacy systems. The Chief Digital Officer, whom I advised during this period, made a significant impact by stepping back during a particularly tense strategy session. Instead of rushing to address everyone’s concerns, she reframed the discussion around a single question: “What can we deliver in the next 90 days that our customers will notice?” She then distilled the endless debate into three clear, measurable targets, made them visible to everyone, and set up weekly reviews.
Her approach didn’t just clarify the company’s immediate priorities—it cut through political noise and empowered the team leads to make real, independent decisions. Within a quarter, the business launched a new click-and-collect service, improved site speed, and saw customer satisfaction scores rise. More importantly, the teams rediscovered their sense of purpose. The clarity she provided served as a multiplier: execution improved, frustration dropped, and people began to take ownership instead of waiting for instructions.
I see over and over that clarity is a rare skill. It requires discipline and the courage to make trade-offs, but it is essential for scalable growth. When leaders provide clarity, teams move faster, adapt better, and deliver value more consistently. This is a quality I strive to embody and cultivate in every organization I support.
Eugene Mischenko, President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association
Foster Curiosity and Continuous Learning
The leadership quality I admire most is curiosity, especially when it’s paired with the humility to admit you don’t have all the answers. In today’s constantly shifting business environment, leaders who stay curious are better equipped to grow, adapt, and lead effectively. It’s not possible to know everything, but a genuine interest in learning what you don’t know is what sets great leaders apart.
When I’m hiring for executive roles, I always look for that mindset. One example that stands out was a search we conducted earlier this year for a Director of Talent. From her very first interview, the candidate showed a real eagerness to understand the team and company. Her questions were thoughtful and went beyond the surface. It was clear she wanted to understand the “why” behind how things worked.
What really confirmed her fit came a few weeks after she was hired. She had scheduled one-on-one conversations with several recent hires and asked them what their onboarding experience was like and what they felt unprepared for. Using that feedback, she made smart adjustments to the company’s training and orientation process. Just a month later, the organization was already seeing better retention in early-tenure hires.
That’s the kind of leader I admire: someone who actively listens, learns from people at every level, and isn’t afraid to adjust course based on what they discover.
Matt Erhard, Managing Partner, Summit Search Group
Coach Rather Than Micromanage
One leadership quality I really value is the ability to coach instead of micromanage. The best leaders create space for people to explore their strengths while offering thoughtful guidance when needed. Earlier in my career, I had a leader who did exactly that. She encouraged me to lean into my gifts and trusted me to approach challenges in my own way. Instead of giving me step-by-step instructions, she would ask questions that made me pause, reflect, and think through my decisions. That process not only helped me grow professionally but also gave me a deeper sense of ownership in my work. Her style shaped how I lead today by prioritizing reflection, growth, and trust.
Dr. Erkeda DeRouen, CEO, Digital Risk Compliance Solutions LLC
Take Responsibility for Team Outcomes
One leadership quality I strive to embody, and that I’m always impressed to see in others, is accountability. In any workplace, mistakes and setbacks are inevitable, no matter how well you plan or train your team. What makes the difference is how a leader responds. Accountability can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a spiral of blame-shifting, lost revenue, and demoralized teams.
The best leaders don’t just take credit when things go right. They also take responsibility when things go wrong, even if they weren’t directly at fault. This creates a culture of trust, where team members feel safe to speak up, own issues, and focus on solutions.
When I’m placing leadership candidates, accountability is one of the qualities I value most. One instance that stands out was a plant manager we placed at a mid-sized aerospace manufacturer. Just three months into the role, her production line missed a key delivery milestone. Rather than deflecting blame, she called an all-hands meeting, clearly outlined what had happened, and took full ownership. She reorganized the production calendar, retrained staff to prevent a repeat, and stayed two extra shifts that week to personally model the new standards.
The result? Her credibility soared. The plant’s leadership team reached out to tell me how impressed they were, not because she avoided mistakes, but because she took responsibility and addressed them head-on. Within weeks, her team not only recovered but exceeded their previous output targets. That kind of accountability doesn’t just solve problems, but builds lasting trust and drives real performance.
David Case, President, Advastar
Make Swift Decisions Under Pressure
One leadership quality I deeply admire is decisiveness—the ability to make clear, confident decisions even under uncertainty. In the fast-paced world of software development and digital transformation, hesitation can cost valuable time and momentum.
I recall a critical project where our client faced a sudden market shift mid-development. Our team was divided on whether to pivot the product scope or stick to the original plan. The project lead stepped up decisively, carefully weighing risks but ultimately making a swift call to adapt the product. This decisiveness not only saved the timeline but also positioned the client to capture new market opportunities.
That moment reinforced for me how powerful decisive leadership is: it cuts through ambiguity, inspires confidence in the team, and drives forward momentum—qualities that separate good leaders from great ones in tech innovation.
Eugene Musienko, CEO, Merehead LLC
Maintain Passion Through Adversity
Sustaining passion during challenging times is one of the most powerful and underrated qualities a leader can possess. It doesn’t just affect their own performance; it sends a ripple of resilience and motivation throughout the entire team.
I’ll admit, when work becomes particularly stressful or overwhelming, I’ve found myself falling into the familiar trap of questioning everything. In those moments, even though I know I love the industry I’m in, it can feel difficult to access that sense of purpose. I start daydreaming about a completely different career path, imagining that maybe the grass is greener elsewhere.
But in those moments of doubt, I’ve learned to look to my boss as a model. Their passion for our work never seems to waver; if anything, it intensifies in the face of adversity. When the pressure is high, they lean in. They stay engaged, curious, and enthusiastic, and that energy is contagious. It reminds me of the early days in my own career, when everything about the sector felt new, exciting, and full of possibility.
That ability to maintain a sense of purpose through the ups and downs is more than just admirable—it’s a leadership asset. It grounds the team. It reinforces that what we’re doing matters, even when the day-to-day feels chaotic. And perhaps most importantly, it creates a culture where perseverance and optimism aren’t just encouraged, but modeled from the top.
Holding onto your passion over the course of an entire career isn’t easy, but it can be transformative. When leaders stay connected to the “why” behind their work, it lifts the entire team, and reminds the rest of us why we chose this path in the first place.
Megan Mooney, Managing Partner, Vetted
Simplify Complex Ideas Effectively
One leadership quality I really look up to in others is their ability to explain complex things in a way that just makes sense. It’s about taking something incredibly technical or abstract and breaking it down so anyone can grasp the core idea, even if they aren’t deep into the details.
I remember a time when this really stood out to me. We were working on a particularly involved SEO migration for a major e-commerce client. This wasn’t just a simple URL change; it involved moving thousands of product pages, managing redirects, updating internal linking structures, and dealing with all sorts of technical SEO elements that could severely impact their visibility if not handled perfectly. The client’s executive team, while very sharp on the business side, didn’t have a background in the minutiae of search engine algorithms or server responses.
Our project lead on that particular engagement was incredible. Instead of drowning them in jargon about canonical tags or crawl budgets, he used clear analogies. He’d talk about it like moving a massive library and making sure every book was in its right place on the new shelves, with signs pointing to the correct sections. He’d show them straightforward diagrams illustrating the flow of data, rather than endless lines of code. He focused on the impact of each technical step on their business goals—higher visibility, more traffic, increased sales—rather than just the technical action itself.
Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO
Lead with Grace Under Pressure
One leadership quality I deeply admire is grace under pressure, the kind of steady presence that holds a team together when circumstances threaten to pull everything apart. It’s rooted not in denial or bravado, but in the quiet strength to acknowledge uncertainty while continuing to lead with clarity and compassion.
We had traveled to Northern California for the Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa. The night before our scheduled interviews, someone broke into our vehicle and took nearly all of our video gear. Gone were our two broadcast cameras, my laptop, my still camera, and a Swiss Army knife that Mark had given me early in our relationship. Left behind were only the items too bulky or awkward to carry—a light kit, a few C-stands, and a green screen.
The loss hit hard. I felt the sting of violation, not just from the theft but from the sudden vulnerability of not knowing how we would continue. Mark, however, stayed composed. He inventoried what remained, made a series of calls, and within hours had secured enough loaner gear from generous colleagues in the local film community to keep us on schedule.
That experience became a lesson I carry. Grace under pressure reveals itself in those rare moments when everything falls away and yet something steady holds firm. It’s a form of leadership that earns trust without demanding it, and leaves an impression on those of us fortunate to witness it.
Patty Mooney, VP, Producer, Editor, Content Creator, San Diego Video Production
Show Authentic Vulnerability
One leadership quality I really admire is authentic vulnerability. I’m referring to leaders who can admit when they don’t know something or when they’ve made a mistake, without losing their team’s respect.
I witnessed this play out beautifully with a CEO I worked with a few years ago. During a major product launch that wasn’t going well, instead of deflecting blame or making excuses, he gathered his entire team and said, “I made some bad calls here, and I need your help to fix this.” He explained exactly what went wrong and asked for input from everyone, including junior staff members.
What happened next was incredible. The team rallied around him like I’d never seen before. People started volunteering for extra work, sharing ideas they’d been holding back, and taking ownership of problems they didn’t even create. That launch ended up being one of their biggest successes.
That moment taught me that real strength comes from being human with your team. When leaders drop the facade and show they’re not perfect, it gives everyone else permission to be honest too. That’s when the magic happens.
Aju Nair, CEO & Co-founder, EightBurst Marketing
Communicate Openly to Align Teams
Clear communication stands out as a key leadership quality. Leaders who share information openly and listen closely create alignment. Teams gain clarity on goals and the steps needed to reach them. This reduces confusion and increases productivity.
One example involved a leader who shifted from relying on emails to holding regular in-person meetings. This approach encouraged open dialogue, clarified expectations, and kept everyone informed. Addressing issues directly prevented misunderstandings and built trust within the team. Over time, this led to improved collaboration and steady progress toward objectives.
Effective communication goes beyond speaking. It requires listening, responding thoughtfully, and welcoming different viewpoints. This creates a shared understanding and keeps teams focused on results. Clear communication strengthens leadership and helps teams perform consistently.
Rebecca Bryson, Managing Director, BTE Plant Sales
Demonstrate Consistent Daily Leadership
One leadership quality I really admire in others is consistency. It’s not just about showing up occasionally with a big idea, but rather showing up every day with intention, doing the work, and leading by example. That kind of steady presence builds trust. People know what to expect from you, and that makes a huge difference in business and relationships.
I saw this firsthand when I first joined Keller Williams. There was a team leader in the office who wasn’t flashy or loud, but you could count on her. She followed through on every commitment, whether it was a training session, a new initiative, or just checking in with agents. What impressed me wasn’t one big moment—it was how she treated everyone with the same respect and support every single day. That left a lasting impression on me. It’s something I try to bring into my team, because clients and agents alike need that foundation of dependability.
Especially in real estate, where emotions can run high and surprises are part of the job, being a consistent leader brings calm to the chaos. People remember how you made them feel, and showing up with steadiness creates confidence and loyalty that lasts.
Jimmy Welch, President, The Jimmy Welch Team
Guide with a Clear Vision
One leadership quality I admire is having a clear vision. It’s about taking something complicated and breaking it down into simple guidance that brings everyone together and helps move things forward. In busy, fast-paced environments, this trait is particularly important. Leaders who explain the “why” along with the “what” help create unity across different teams, even when priorities change.
I witnessed this in action during a significant brand overhaul. The leader in charge laid out a clear vision that guided every decision, from our communication strategies to our plans across various teams. By consistently reminding everyone of that vision, he helped the marketing, product, and customer experience teams work together seamlessly. This didn’t just improve how we operated; it also transformed our culture into one where everyone felt a shared responsibility and focus.
When things are changing rapidly, having a clear vision becomes an invaluable tool. It helps teams make quick decisions, deal with uncertainty, and adhere to long-term goals.
Yaniv Masjedi, Chief Marketing Officer, Nextiva
Use Humor to Navigate Challenges
Something about a good leader that I truly admire is a sense of humor and humbleness—a leader who will acknowledge when he or she has erred, laugh about it, and proceed without subjecting the whole team to feeling like they have stumbled into a soap opera.
I once had a contractor turn up on a job who, in error, ordered the wrong tile for an entire ensuite bathroom. It’s no exaggeration to say it was panic stations. Instead of blaming the supplier or going into damage control, he simply stared at it and replied, “Well, if we ever have to build a Moroccan spa in the guest bedroom, we’re halfway there.” He rolled up his sleeves, called the supplier, and had the correct order rushed through in a matter of a few hours.
That taught me one thing about being a good leader: it’s not about never getting anything wrong; it’s about what you do when you do get it wrong. Clients were appeased, the team remained cool-headed, and we all came away with a good anecdote and an improved solution.
The mix of grace under pressure and a humble spirit makes others eager to collaborate with you once more—and in a company where things rarely go 100% as anticipated, it’s absolutely critical.
Magda Callery, Interior Designer, Style By Magda
Motivate Through Compassionate Leadership
One leadership trait I deeply value in others is the capacity to motivate through compassion. Compassion reflects an awareness of others’ viewpoints and feelings, laying the groundwork for trust and teamwork. I remember a moment when my previous advisor exemplified this trait during a tough project. A colleague was falling behind on deadlines due to personal challenges, and rather than criticizing them, the advisor took the time to listen and offer solutions that fit their circumstances.
This method not only addressed the problem but also boosted team spirit and efficiency. I’ve applied this principle by encouraging honest dialogue and empathy within my team. Whether shaping eCommerce approaches or assisting businesses in transforming data into meaningful actions, I believe compassion is key to cultivating strong connections with both team members and clients. Real leadership isn’t just about achieving goals but about ensuring those who contribute feel appreciated and supported.
Valentin Radu, CEO & Founder, Blogger, Speaker, Podcaster, Omniconvert