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The attributes of leadership

Ruth Tait (Director of Korn/Ferry Carré/Orban International)

Leadership & Organization Development Journal

ISSN: 0143-7739

Article publication date: 1 February 1996

8499

Abstract

Reports the conclusions of a study involving in‐depth interviews with 18 business leaders, focusing on the qualities and skills they felt to be essential for success in directing and guiding a large organization. These qualities include the ability to make sense of a complicated pattern of events and from this formulate clear goals for the organization; people and communication skills; integrity; drive and ambition. In selecting others, as potential future leaders and high‐flyers, this group of current leaders used the following criteria. There was high agreement that proven track record was vital, both as an indicator of future performance and to establish credibility. Another important characteristic is the ability to take an independent (even unpopular) line, and defend it. As could be predicted, interpersonal skills, team orientation, commitment and motivation were also seen as important.

Keywords

Citation

Tait, R. (1996), "The attributes of leadership", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 27-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437739610785405

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1996, MCB UP Limited

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