What does a great leader need?

Common Characteristics Across Great Leaders

After reviewing more than twenty historical and modern leaders, the most frequently recurring characteristics can be grouped as follows:

1. Vision

• Nearly all transformative leaders had a clear, compelling vision — Alexander, Lincoln, Gandhi, Jobs, Mandela, and others.

• Vision gives direction and purpose, inspiring followers beyond immediate goals.

2. Courage / Resilience

• From Joan of Arc to Churchill and Ardern, courage in adversity and resilience under pressure are constants.

• Great leaders endure hardship, criticism, or danger while staying focused.

3. Integrity / Moral Conviction

• Lincoln, Washington, Mandela, Gandhi, and others led with ethical consistency and moral purpose.

• Followers trust leaders who align actions with values.

4. Empathy / Emotional Intelligence

• Effective leaders understand and connect with people — MLK, Mother Teresa, Merkel, Ardern, and FDR are examples.

• Emotional intelligence enables influence, loyalty, and effective communication.

5. Strategic Thinking / Adaptability

• Great leaders balance big-picture vision with flexible tactics.

• Napoleon, Elizabeth I, and FDR mastered this duality — adapting without losing direction.

6. Communication / Charisma

• Charisma and the ability to articulate vision powerfully appear across ages — Caesar, Churchill, MLK, Jobs.

• Communication turns strategy into movement.

🧭 Summary: The Six Most Common Traits of Great Leaders