7 Characteristics of Effective Leaders

To continue the conversation about leadership, this week, I apply what I've learned from the assigned readings and create an infographic to help others learn more about the specific characteristics that effective leaders should have.

To help explain the main components of the leadership theories, I combine characteristics of both authentic and servant leadership styles into this infographic. Some of the characteristics apply to both leadership styles such as being a responsible or active listener, leading with empathy, and having strong self-awareness.

This list of seven characteristics only scratches the surface of what effective leadership looks like, but it's a great place to start if you're new to these concepts like I am! I will share the references where I got this information below, so feel free to dive in deeper if you want to learn more!

References:

Bachelder, C. (2013, February 19). Traits of a servant leader – a skilled communicator. Serving Performs. https://cherylbachelder.com/traits-of-a-servant-leader-a-skilled-communicator/

Communication tips for servant leaders: Do you fail to communicate because you fail to listen?. One Another Ministries. (2019, February 8). http://christian-leadership.org/communication-tips-for-servant-leaders-do-you-fail-to-communicate-because-you-fail-to-listen/

Nagy, J. (2025). Section 2. servant leadership: Accepting and maintaining the call of Service. Main Section | Community Tool Box. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/leadership-ideas/servant-leadership/main

Sarkaria, P. H. (2018). Authentic leadership. In R. M. McManus (Ed.), Ethical leadership: A primer (pp.241-260). Edward Elgar Publishing

Spears, L. C. (2010). Character and servant leadership: Ten characteristics of effective, caring leaders. The journal of virtues & leadership, 1(1), 25-30.