Good leadership can be difficult to define. Naming each of the qualities of a good leader can sometimes be overwhelming, but you always know a good leader when you see one. Much of what we try to do on this blog is to uncover and identify the traits that make leaders great. Anyone can give direction, but not everyone can inspire a team, cast vision, and create a culture of growth; only great leaders can do those things. This week, I spent some time at a conference with many of the leaders in my field. I love environments like this; I always learn so much from spending time with these kinds of people. One of the things that became clear to me is that the greatest leaders I came into contact with this week were the leaders who led with grace. Grace is defined as “a way of moving that is smooth and attractive and that is not stiff or awkward.” Many people would equate this definition with the way a dancer moves around the stage, seemingly moving without ever touching the floor. I would argue, however, that grace is just as important in the life of a leader as it is for a ballerina. When a leader acts with grace, they navigate the situations of life with ease and flexibility. The actions of a graceful leader are not determined by the circumstances they face, but by the investments they have made in themselves and in growth. Just as a dancer becomes graceful through practice, so also a leader must practice living with grace. So what does it mean to be a gracious leader? I have noticed seven traits that I believe all gracious leaders have. Let’s get started.
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Maturity.
A hallmark of maturity is the ability to distinguish the pressing from the petty. It is really hard to be graceful when you are getting caught up in unnecessary conflict. Maturity allows you to see the big picture.
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Class.
Class is all about how you carry yourself and how you treat the people around you. Acting with class protects your reputation and builds trust with the people you come into contact with.
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Compassion.
When you can see the needs of others, you lead more effectively. To be compassionate is to show concern and care for the things that other people are dealing with. A graceful leader is aware of the needs of others.
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Integrity.
A graceful leader is one that you can count on. Operating with integrity means that you stay true to your values and what you believe to be right. It is hard to operate with grace when you are being swayed by the changing situations of life. Integrity helps eliminate that tension.
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Respect.
Regardless of the decisions that are made, a graceful leader maintains respect for his leaders and organization. There will inevitably come a time when you are less than pleased with a decision that is made; but to act with grace is to maintain composure and respect the decisions of those around you.
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Commitment.
Not only must you remain respectful of the decisions that are made, but you must also remain committed to the vision and mission of your organization. Even when expectations are not met, a graceful leader is committed to the cause.
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Consistency.
Graceful leaders consistently operate with these seven traits. Maturity, class, compassion, integrity, respect, and commitment are each important on their own, but they become game changers when they are consistently adhered to.
