— Every leader will face adversity, deal with opposition, and make mistakes. Steadfast determination allows leaders to overcome great hurdles and achieve incredible accomplishments, making determination an essential characteristic of a strong leader.

— It is no secret that talk is cheap; some leaders have a knack for saying what people want to hear, but lack sincerity and follow-through. Truly responsive leaders back up their words with effective action. They recognize need and they quickly wield their influence and authority to meet that need.

— Benevolent leaders desire to improve the lives of those they lead, and they generously offer whatever support and assistance possible. This display of benevolent, empathetic leadership helps team members and followers feel that they are understood as well as cared about, resulting in more effective relationships. A leader’s compassion and generosity will produce trust, respect, loyalty and appreciativeness, and often has positive implications far outreaching the leader’s position.

— Confidence is attractive, but cockiness or arrogance never is. The most successful leaders possess sincere humility while still leading with confidence. Leaders who choose not to boast about their accomplishments or lord their position over their subordinates earn much deeper respect and loyalty in the long run.