Find out if you possess these skills and what you can do to build upon them. 

In my line of work as a personal and professional development coach, one fundamental truth reigns supreme: self-awareness is the cornerstone of success.

Whether you’re just getting back into the work field after some time off, switching careers, trying to climb the corporate ladder, spearheading a startup, or leading a team towards a common goal, understanding oneself is the compass that guides you on the journey.

I know it is a bold statement but in my opinion it is the foundation upon which effective leadership is built, enabling individuals to harness their strengths, navigate weaknesses, and inspire others to follow suit.

In my experience as an identity and leadership development coach working with many international clients, I’ve seen the profound impact of self-awareness in nurturing exceptional leadership. I firmly believe it’s the initial stride towards any meaningful transformation, yet it remains one of the most challenging qualities to develop. 

What distinguishes natural leaders from the rest? 

There are many skills that can be developed to help you be a better leader you can learn technical skills and gain certificates to level up your knowledge in your industry, there are soft skills trainings to develop your communication and presence and poise however, there are some specific soft skills that I have seen in natural born leaders, that naturally propel them towards success. Although some individuals are more inclined towards these attributes, the good news is that in my line of work, I have seen huge strides from clients to build upon these skills with great results.  

The first and foremost attribute is a dialed in emotional intelligence (or EI as we say in the industry).

Natural leaders possess a keen sense of emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate the complexities of human interactions with grace and empathy. EI encompasses the ability to recognize, understand, and manage both one’s own emotions and those of others. 

Anyone can learn the ‘rules’ of communication but to be truly an effective communicator, leaders must develop their emotional intelligence so they can effectively apply these rules to communicate with others, build rapport, and resolve conflicts, fostering a positive and productive work environment. 

By developing your emotional intelligence you will be more attuned to the feelings and needs of your team members, empowering you as a leader to provide support, guidance, and encouragement when they need it.

By harnessing emotional intelligence, natural leaders inspire trust, loyalty, and collaboration, driving collective success.

If you want to be a natural leader you have to possess the ability to be a visionary thinker. 

Natural leaders possess the invaluable skill of visionary thinking—a capacity to envision the future and inspire others to embark on the journey alongside them. They harbor a clear and compelling vision for their organization or team, setting lofty goals and navigating a strategic pathway towards triumph. These leaders possess the foresight to anticipate both challenges and opportunities, embracing them as integral parts of the journey. They adapt their plans accordingly, all while remaining steadfast in their overarching vision.

Embarking on the journey of strategizing operations may seem straightforward at first, yet reality often presents unforeseen obstacles. However, cultivating a growth mindset can transform these challenges into stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Viewing setbacks as essential components of progress, leaders with a growth mindset remain undeterred and resourceful, consistently articulating their vision with unwavering conviction and passion for success. This optimistic outlook fosters a collaborative team dynamic, wherein members are galvanized to tackle issues head-on, adopt a solution-oriented approach, and channel their collective enthusiasm towards a shared purpose.

By prioritizing the cultivation of a growth mindset, leaders exemplify positivity and engagement, naturally exhibiting leadership qualities across various contexts—both personal and professional. This visionary thinking not only propels teams forward but also cultivates a culture of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to realizing shared goals.

Natural leaders are authentic and they possess a high level of integrity.

Authenticity and integrity are essential attributes of natural leaders, who lead with honesty, transparency, and integrity. They are true to themselves and their values, consistently aligning their actions with their beliefs. 

This seems like a non negotiable, but it goes down to your everyday thoughts, interactions and actions. Do you say one thing and do another? If you want to be an authentic leader you must work to build trust through a genuine demeanor and ethical conduct each and every day with every person in your life. This behavior will earn the respect and admiration of those around you. You will garner a reputation of leading by example, demonstrating integrity in every decision and endeavor, regardless of the circumstances to those you work with.

By upholding high ethical standards and staying true to your principles, you will cultivate a culture of integrity and accountability, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty that underpins sustainable success.

If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to assume you’re eager to enhance your leadership qualities, and I want to commend you for actively seeking to cultivate the fourth essential quality: the desire for continuous learning and growth. By engaging with this content, you’re demonstrating remarkable commitment to your ongoing journey and the development of the skills necessary to thrive as a leader.

Natural leaders embody a blend of emotional intelligence, visionary thinking, and authenticity, distinguishing themselves in their capacity to inspire, motivate, and empower others. As a subscriber to my newsletter, watch out for an email containing actionable tips on enhancing your emotional intelligence, embracing a growth mindset, and refining your integrity (your personal brand) in the workplace.

By nurturing these inherent skills and embracing self-awareness, you will continue to unlock your leadership potential and feel a deeper sense of direction on your path toward success in any pursuit you undertake.