Exceptional leaders are the driving force behind corporate success. Leaders should always strive to improve their leadership skills. Exceptional leaders must demonstrate a number of characteristics to differentiate themselves in the workplace. While leaders' attributes vary, there are a number of fundamental elements that leaders must possess. The fundamental attributes that exceptional leaders must possess include effective communication, self-awareness and self-management, diagnosis and adaptability, social awareness and relationship management, courage and passion, and accountability, and a sense of purpose.
The first skill that exceptional leaders possess is effective communication. Listening and speaking skills are the fundamentals of communication ( Haden & Jenkins, 2016) . Creating a perfect link between a leader and the group require keen listening to what members are saying and want. Public speaking skills are essential when communicating to an audience or when representing a group in a forum. Coupling the two enables a leader to become an effective communicator. An excellent communicator ensures that every individual that they lead receives precise information in time and the message is understood easily.
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The second skill that exceptional leaders possess is self-awareness and self-management. Understanding intrinsic personal traits enable a leader to thrive in their objectives. Everyone has weaknesses and strongholds. Being aware of these contributes to improvement in socialization and performance. Managing how to execute personal activities and plans encourages an individual to manage a team effectively using inherent management skills ( Schmader & Spears, 2018) . Humility is a personal trait that, if coupled with self-awareness and self-management, often builds an exceptional leader who appreciates every member of a team. Understanding and managing personal traits and plans build the effective foundation needed for a leader.
The third skill that exceptional leaders possess is diagnosis and adaptability. Precise analysis of events and tasks are the responsibilities of a leader ( Haden & Jenkins, 2016) . In a group, helping members avoid mistakes and teaching them how to perfect their performance creates a strong bond. Often, leaders are chosen, but the way they adapt to their new position is crucial. Change from working with peers to leading former peers needs a person who can adapt harmoniously to their roles and work objectives. Leaders with precise diagnosis and adaptability are productive.
The fourth skill that exceptional leaders possess social awareness and relationship management. People skills are important when leading a group or a workplace team ( Schmader & Spears, 2018) . Realizing the basic reactions of team members and acting accordingly assists in managing relationships in a team. As everyone socializes in a team, a leader should always be attentive to every public socialization occurring and recommend and appreciate excellent ideas from team members. A positive relation in a team creates a conducive environment for efficient task performance for productivity.
The fifth skill that exceptional leaders possess is courage and passion. When adversity strikes a team, only courage saves the day. Leading a group courageously yields a win during tough periods and events ( Haden & Jenkins, 2016) . Leaders with a passion for what they are doing always draw their courage easily. Team members feel rejuvenated to see a leader courageously fighting for their concerns. If leaders seem to fear an administration and watch their team members being oppressed without acting, they can be deemed weak. Passion is the basic foundation for courage in anything a leader does.
The last skills that exceptional leaders possess is accountability and a sense of purpose. When tasks are performed, sometimes mistakes arise. In a team, the leader is often questioned on failures. Accepting the mistake done and taking the blame for the teams shows how much one values their team than individuality ( Schmader & Spears, 2018) . As a representative, blaming team members for a team mistake is unethical. A sense of purpose drives a leader to handle the team as a player too. Getting active in all activities helps in eliminating errors rather than seclusion. Accountable leaders with a sense of purpose make the team great.
Leadership is a very crucial role. Effectively practice of necessary skills required for leadership makes one exceptional. Even though it is tough to lead, having exceptional leadership characteristics makes it easier. In conclusion, characteristics of an exceptional leader include effective communication, self-awareness and self-management, diagnosis and adaptability, social awareness and relationship management, courage and passion, and accountability and a sense of purpose.
References
Haden, N. K., & Jenkins, R. D. (2016). The 9 virtues of exceptional leaders: Unlocking your leadership potential . Deeds publishing.'
Schmader, W. & Spears, T. (2018). Exceptional leaders playbook . Authors Place Press.
