Leadership isn’t a quality you either innately possess or lack; it’s the sum of eight skills you can develop over time. Here are the characteristics that will help you become recognized as a leader.

Authenticity. Work to build self-awareness and put yourself in positions to highlight your strengths and improve on your weaknesses.

Curiosity. Ask questions about what you don’t know. Think expansively and ambitiously. Present as someone who constantly wants to learn, explore, and innovate.

Analytical thinking. Leadership requires the ability to break down complex problems, identify their root causes, and come up with fresh solutions. Develop your analytical skills by focusing on cause-and-effect relationships and being attentive to patterns and trends.

Adaptability. Take on assignments and seek out experiences that demand flexibility. Push yourself to work in new environments with different kinds of people.

Creativity. You don’t necessarily need to come up with every great idea on your own. Sometimes it’s about establishing an environment that nurtures creativity in others.

Comfort with ambiguity. Managing ambiguity is about holding conflicting ideas in your head and dealing with competing priorities that feel equally important. Ask a lot of “what ifs” and “so whats,” and scrutinize matters from different perspectives.

Resilience. When things get tough, exhibit the resilience to recalibrate, regroup, and get input from others by asking, “Is there another path?”

Empathy. Developing your emotional intelligence gives you a deeper appreciation of the complex challenges others are working through—and helps you foster a more supportive and nurturing environment.
This tip is adapted from “8 Essential Qualities of Successful Leaders,” by Rebecca Knight.
Spread the love