Gleaning insights from seasoned leadership experts, this article unveils the transformative power of key traits like empathy, authenticity, and humility. It distills collective wisdom that shapes effective leaders, empowering them to foster trust and resilience in their teams. Discover through real-life stories how leading with vulnerability and strategic patience can elevate both individuals and organizations to new heights of success.
- Empathy in Leadership
- Authenticity Builds Trust
- Humility Leads by Example
- Seeing Potential in Others
- Fostering Genuine Empowerment
- Vulnerability Shows Strength
- Decisiveness with Empathy
- Strategic Patience in Leadership
- Commitment to Organizational Level
- Empathy Creates Trust
- Integrity Matters in Leadership
- Accountability Fosters Trust
- Protecting Teams Fiercely
- Accountability Creates Trust
- Resilience Pushes Forward
- Providing Clear Feedback
- Grace Under Pressure
Empathy in Leadership
One of the leadership qualities I greatly admire is empathy—the ability to actually listen and connect with individuals, whether that’s an employee, student, or colleague. Empathy isn’t just listening to what someone is saying; it is being engaged, listening to their perspective, and allowing that to drive one’s decision-making and actions.
I saw this in action in a very real way recently on a challenge we faced. One of our employees, who had been with us right from the beginning, was struggling to balance work and family life during a whirlwind period. Instead of pushing them to keep up no matter what, one of our leaders met with them, heard out their difficulties, and rebalanced their workload. The outcome? Not only did the health of that employee improve, but his productivity and engagement increased significantly when he truly felt supported.
This was a wake-up call. It reaffirmed that leadership is not about producing results so much as about taking care of the people who help you achieve them. When leaders show empathy, trust, loyalty, and a greater purpose, higher-level thinking is engaged among the group. It reemphasized in me that success, personal or professional, is always achieved through teamwork.
Vasilii Kiselev
CEO & Co-Founder, Legacy Online School
Authenticity Builds Trust
Authenticity is a leadership trait that I greatly respect. A leader who is authentically themselves, open about difficulties, and not hesitant to display weakness has a specific authority. Early in my career, I witnessed this directly with a mentor. Instead of sugarcoating that we had a challenging quarter, he called a team meeting and candidly discussed our current position. He asked for everyone’s opinions, acknowledged his mistakes, and assured us about the future strategy. His candor fostered trust rather than panic because it removed some of the uncertainty and prepared everyone for the next steps.
Rather than being disheartened, we felt empowered to come together and solve problems. That moment stuck with me. It showed me that authenticity is a strength that fosters loyalty, confidence, and collaboration. Now, as a business owner, I strive to lead with the same openness, knowing that authentic leadership comes from being real.
Jared Weitz
Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Source
Humility Leads by Example
The foremost quality that I look for in leaders is humility—a quality that is hard to find in the general population, and even more so in leaders. Humble leaders are not weak. When leaders are humble, they know they still have much to learn, and they keep growing actively and intentionally. When leaders are humble, they value others as equals and don’t need to use force or coercive power to achieve results. When leaders are humble, they listen to understand and ensure that people feel heard. When leaders are humble, they don’t need to save face and are able to course-correct when circumstances change. When leaders are humble, they make space for and invite collaboration because they don’t need to be a superstar or hero.
When leaders are humble, they make good decisions, because they tend to be motivated by what is right for the circumstances, not what is right for them. When leaders are humble, they know that their role is to uplift, equip, and enable others. When leaders are humble, they share the credit when things go right and take responsibility when things go wrong. When leaders are humble, they are able to dream bigger than what they can accomplish alone because they are happy to share the glory. When leaders are humble, they see others’ strengths and unleash them. They invite genius to the table because genius doesn’t threaten them. When leaders are humble, they don’t mind getting mud on their face or their hands dirty. They will take the most difficult or unpleasant responsibility and inspire others to follow their example.
My children had a headmaster, named Tony, many years ago. He was a strong, capable, and highly respected man. Humility was evident in so much that he did, but especially in his actions on days when it rained. Every other day of the year, we had wonderful traffic wardens on duty when we dropped off and picked up our children. On days when it rained, without fail, Tony would be out in the parking lot, up to his knees in water, directing the traffic. Not only did he join the lowest paid members of staff in their worst duties, but he also watched that every single child made it to their car or classroom safely. On those days, Tony taught me and my children to lead. They learned more important lessons from him on those days than anything they learned in the classroom.
Janet du Preez (MSc MOTI)
Leadership & Organisational Development Consultant, Engagement Dynamics
Seeing Potential in Others
The leadership quality I admire most is the ability to see potential in others before they see it in themselves. True leadership isn’t about accumulating followers—it’s about recognizing untapped abilities, challenging people to rise, and pushing them to step into roles they never imagined for themselves.
I was fortunate to experience this firsthand with Dr. Matthias Bellmann, a leader who didn’t just see me for who I was at the time—he saw who I could become. At a point in my career when I was focused on executing tasks, meeting expectations, and staying within my comfort zone, he saw something else: capabilities I hadn’t even recognized in myself. He wasn’t looking for people who checked every qualification box—he was looking for those with drive, curiosity, and the ability to think beyond the obvious.
He gave me opportunities I didn’t think I was ready for. He challenged me with responsibilities that stretched me beyond what I thought I could handle. He put me in rooms where, at first, I felt I didn’t belong—but he knew I did. And through it all, he never let me settle for just being good at my job. He made it clear that my role wasn’t just about meeting expectations or delivering results—it was about growing into someone who could lead and shape decisions at the highest level.
Leadership isn’t just about handing someone a title or a larger responsibility—it’s about making them believe they can own it. He did this by asking the right questions, pushing for deeper thinking, and holding me to a higher standard than I even held for myself. When I hesitated, he challenged me. When I doubted myself, he pushed me forward anyway. He never let my own insecurities define my opportunities.
I think as a leader it’s easy to create followers—people who execute, who take direction, who do their jobs well. But creating more leaders requires vision, patience, and a deep understanding of human potential. It requires the ability to recognize not just who someone is today, but who they are capable of becoming tomorrow.
I carry his lessons with me every day. And I can only hope that in my own leadership, I am doing the same for others—seeing in them what they have yet to see in themselves, and pushing them to rise. Because the best leaders don’t create followers. They create other leaders.
Sylvie Di Giusto
Keynote Speaker & Author | Helping Professionals Lead Better, Sell Faster, Persuade Instantly, Sylvie di Giusto
Fostering Genuine Empowerment
One leadership quality I deeply admire is the ability to foster genuine empowerment within a team. It’s more than just delegating tasks; it’s about instilling a sense of ownership, trust, and confidence in each individual, allowing them to take initiative and thrive. I saw this exemplified powerfully during a particularly challenging system migration project. The team was facing a tight deadline and complex technical hurdles. Instead of micromanaging or imposing rigid solutions, the project lead actively sought input from every team member, regardless of their role or seniority.
He created a space where everyone felt comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and doubts. More importantly, he acted on those ideas, allowing team members to implement their solutions. The impact was immediate and profound. The team’s morale soared. Individuals who were previously hesitant started taking the lead on complex tasks. The collective knowledge and creativity unlocked were astonishing. The project, which initially seemed daunting, was completed successfully and ahead of schedule.
This example showcased the value of true empowerment, boosting not just the project outcome, but individual growth. I have this mindset and provide it to others in everything I do.
Steve Fleurant
CEO, Clair Services
Vulnerability Shows Strength
Vulnerability is one of the traits I most admire in other leaders. When leaders are vulnerable, they display several qualities: self-awareness, confidence, integrity, humility, and strength.
I recall working with a CEO who was exceptionally rude to me and my colleague in front of the team. I was crushed. The following day, that CEO publicly apologized for his behavior in a manner that demonstrated genuine self-reflection and remorse. That vulnerable and sincere apology made me more loyal to that leader than I had been before the transgression took place.
Brent Hafele, M.A., ACC
President & Coach to Ceos, Vibrancy Unlocked
Decisiveness with Empathy
One leadership quality I deeply admire in others is decisiveness with empathy—the ability to make tough calls while understanding their impact on people. One powerful instance of this was when a mentor of mine had to restructure their company during a financial downturn. Instead of making abrupt layoffs, they openly communicated the challenges, offered alternative roles where possible, and provided career support to affected employees.
This approach struck me because it showed that strong leadership isn’t just about making the right business moves—it’s about balancing strategy with humanity. It reinforced how vital it is to lead with transparency, especially during difficult times. This experience shaped my own leadership style, ensuring that even in high-pressure situations, decisions are made with both clarity and compassion. True leadership isn’t just about growth—it’s about how you uplift others along the way.
Michelle Aran
Founder & CEO, Velvet Caviar
Strategic Patience in Leadership
I admire strategic patience as a powerful leadership trait—staying calm and choosing the right moment to act rather than jumping to quick fixes. I watched a business mentor handle aggressive price-cutting by a rival company. Instead of matching lower prices or rushing to counter-attack, he stayed focused on delivering great service, earning customer trust, and making his business run better.
As time passed, my mentor’s business grew while the competitor lost ground when people noticed the drop in service quality that came with cheaper prices. This lesson changed how I lead. As CEO, I now follow this same path—building for tomorrow instead of chasing today’s profit, caring about customer needs, and sticking to solid business practices.
Our customers now stay with us because they want quality work, not bargain rates. I’ve discovered true leadership means knowing when to hold steady, believing in what you stand for, and working toward success that lasts beyond next quarter’s numbers.
Joseph Passalacqua
Owner & CEO, Maid Sailors
Commitment to Organizational Level
The leadership quality I respect tremendously is the intentional commitment to staying in one’s organizational level sweet spot. Leadership often presumes aspiration to move up to higher, bigger roles in the organization. I’ve been privileged to coach several mid-level leaders with high insight and understanding of leadership who kept themselves in a role despite numerous opportunities to “advance”. Their intentional commitment to purpose over position resulted in sustained legacy impact on team momentum and an undeniable ripple effect of mastery and talent development. As a coach, I was inspired to see new dimensions of leadership which affirmed a much deeper definition of growth and success.
Dr. Natalie Pickering, PhD
CEO, Founder, High Places Coaching and Consulting
Empathy Creates Trust
I firmly believe that empathy in leadership is one of the most powerful qualities a leader can possess. A leader who truly listens, understands, and supports their team creates a culture of trust, motivation, and resilience. When employees feel valued and heard, they naturally become more engaged and committed to their work.
An instance that has stayed with me was when a former manager noticed a teammate struggling with workload stress. Instead of just offering vague encouragement, she sat down, reassigned tasks, and personally followed up to ensure they felt supported. She even checked in weekly, not just about work but about their well-being. She didn’t just acknowledge the issue—she took action. Witnessing this approach firsthand has changed the way I lead today. It taught me that great leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about genuinely caring for the people who make those results happen.
This experience reinforced that leaders who lead with empathy build stronger, more loyal teams. Employees work harder, communicate more openly, and feel safer in their roles when they know their leader genuinely has their back.
Pallavi Pareek
Founder & CEO, Ungender
Integrity Matters in Leadership
I’ve always admired leaders who possess integrity. It’s a quality that truly matters to me, and I’ve witnessed it firsthand in ways that have shaped how I lead my own team.
Integrity means doing what you say you’ll do and being honest, even when circumstances become challenging. I recall a particular leader I worked with—he was a senior executive, and he took full responsibility for a project that experienced delays. He didn’t attempt to blame anyone else. He simply admitted that the team had encountered some challenges, and he assumed ownership. It was a powerful moment. It made everyone on the team respect him even more.
That moment left a lasting impression on me. It made me realize how crucial it is to take responsibility for mistakes and be transparent with people. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it also builds trust. Consequently, I always strive to lead by example, especially during difficult times. I want my team to know that I’m honest and reliable, just like that leader I admired.
Kyle Sobko
Chief Executive Officer, SonderCare
Accountability Fosters Trust
One leadership quality I deeply admire is accountability. This trait fosters trust and cultivates a culture where team members feel responsible for their actions and outcomes. A poignant example of accountability in action comes from my journey with Wild Creations, a toy company I co-founded.
During our rapid expansion, we faced numerous challenges, including a significant product launch that did not meet expectations. Instead of attributing the failure to external factors, our leadership team embraced accountability. We conducted a thorough analysis to understand our missteps, implemented necessary changes, and used those lessons to fuel future successes. This approach strengthened our resilience and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
This experience profoundly impacted me, reinforcing the belief that leaders who own their successes and failures create environments of trust and innovation. By modeling accountability, leaders empower their teams to take initiative, learn from mistakes, and strive for excellence.
Rhett Power
CEO and Co-Founder, Accountability Inc.
Protecting Teams Fiercely
I admire leaders who protect their teams fiercely. I once saw a CEO take the blame for his staff. Instead of passing responsibility, he shielded them. That loyalty made people work even harder for him. True leaders stand up for their people.
It changed how I support my team. I now take responsibility first and praise them second. A leader’s job is to protect, not blame. That mindset creates deep trust in a company. Leadership is about lifting others, not just leading them.
Vaibhav Kakkar
CEO, Digital Web Solutions
Accountability Creates Trust
Accountability is one leadership quality I deeply admire because it sets the foundation for trust and respect within a team. Leaders who take ownership of their decisions—both successes and mistakes—create an environment where others feel empowered to do the same.
I once worked with a leader who openly admitted when a project didn’t go as planned and took responsibility rather than pointing fingers.
Seeing accountability in action taught me that strong leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about owning the process, learning from setbacks, and leading by example. It creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to be more proactive, solution-oriented, and committed to their work.
Aaron Whittaker
VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Resilience Pushes Forward
One leadership quality I deeply admire in others is resilience—the ability to push forward despite challenges and setbacks. I witnessed this quality in a powerful way through my own journey in building Arrow Roofing.
Starting with just $20 in my pocket, I faced countless obstacles, from financial constraints to industry skepticism. However, I was inspired by resilient leaders who refused to give up, no matter the odds. One instance that left a lasting impact on me was during the early days of my business when a major hailstorm hit Texas. I took a leap of faith, traveled alone, and worked tirelessly to build trust with homeowners. That experience led to over $2 million in sales—something I wouldn’t have achieved without perseverance.
This moment reinforced my belief that success isn’t about avoiding failures but about having the grit to push through them. It shaped how I lead my team, instilling a culture where we embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. Resilience has been the driving force behind our journey from a small startup to an eight-figure business, and I continue to foster it in my team every day.
Trenton Wisecup
Founder and Owner, Arrow Roofing Services, LLC.
Providing Clear Feedback
I admire when a leader can provide kind, yet very clear feedback that inspires the recipient to grow, as opposed to getting defensive. It’s so easy to skip feedback altogether. In working with a growing advertising agency, I saw this ethos come to life across all levels of the organization, first demonstrated by executives, then trained into every level. It takes intentional programming and training. This allowed the agency to innovate, pivot, and grow quickly. In fact, the agency exceeded all its targets and was part of a very successful acquisition. On the flip side, I have seen larger businesses struggle as a result of the inability to share feedback in a powerful way.
Christy Cole
Co-Founder, Lilt Collaborative
Grace Under Pressure
One leadership quality I admire is grace and calmness under pressure—the ability to stay composed, make thoughtful decisions, and confidently lead in challenging situations. I’ve seen this quality in action many times, but one instance that stood out was watching a leader navigate a high-stakes situation with unwavering calm. Rather than reacting with stress or frustration, they assessed the problem, trusted their team, and made strategic adjustments that turned a potential setback into an opportunity.
This experience reinforced that true leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about handling uncertainty with resilience and inspiring those around you to do the same. Whether in business, wellness, or personal growth, the leaders who make the biggest impact remain steady, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, no matter the circumstances.
Tayelor Kennedy
Wellness Expert & Entrepreneur, Tayelor Kennedy
