Business Management “What do all great leaders have in common?” Leadership is an art that transcends industries, societies, and time. Throughout history, great leaders have surfaced, leaving an unforgettable mark on their associations, communities, and even the world at large. While the paths they cut may be different, their characteristics are weaved from the same cloth as there are certain common traits that constantly define these exceptional individuals. Leadership extends beyond individual accomplishments; it encompasses the cultivation of a culture that fosters growth, invention, and collaborative success. Being a leader in a business environment means possessing a compelling vision that extends beyond personal gains and aligns with the organization's goals and values. By articulating this vision and ensuring its alignment with the collaborative purpose, leaders inspire a participated sense of direction among their team members. A visionary leader like Elon Musk, with his commitment to sustainable energy and space exploration, has demonstrated how a bold vision can rally individuals around a common cause, creating a culture driven by purpose. (1) Moreover, exceptional leaders prioritize inclusivity and collaborative effort side by side valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds. They encourage an environment where everyone's input and suggestions are respected and considered. This effort results in improving a company’s performance as stated by a 2015 McKinsey report on 366 public companies found that those in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in management were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean.(2) Furthermore, great leaders uphold high ethical standards and promote transparency in their actions and decisions; creating an environment where honesty is valued, trust is nurtured, and accountability is paramount. A leading example, Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, exemplified this by fostering a culture that encouraged employees to bring their whole selves to work and contribute to the company's growth (3). These leaders empower their team members by providing the autonomy to innovate. This culture of empowerment nurtured by leaders attracts individuals who desire to stretch their capabilities, proving that this can only be achieved by leaders who are compassionate and driven by the success of their team members. The traits of leadership are not solely derived from the workplace but are also learnt from the tales of time. A notable frontrunner of the Civil Rights Movement (1950-1968), Martin Luther King Jr., fought for the civil rights of Black Americans. King's leadership was marked by his ability to communicate this vision eloquently. His iconic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom remains a testament to his ability to inspire hope and galvanize a nation toward a more just future (4). His struggle for his movement served as evidence of his leadership capabilities mirroring the way leaders in our everyday situations are also resilient in striving for the betterment of the system that they preach. In conclusion, the tapestry of leadership is woven from these common traits: vision, communication, inclusivity, adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. As individuals strive to embrace these qualities, they contribute to a tapestry that shapes a future of enlightened, effective, and impactful leadership. As Tom Schulman said in the Dead Poets Society, “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” (5) Indeed, a driven leader armed with an ingenious idea can make a lasting impact on society as a whole. Reference: 1. Turner, P. (2022) How does Elon Musk motivate his employees? All Mind Tools. Available at: https://allmindtools.com/how-does-elon-musk-motivate-his-employees/ (Accessed: 30 August 2023). 2. Rock, D. (2019b) Why diverse teams are smarter, Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2016/11/why-diverse-teams-are-smarter#:~:text=A%202015%20McKi nsey%20report%20on%20366%20public%20companies,likely%20to%20have%20ret urns%20above%20the%20industry%20mean. (Accessed: 30 August 2023). 3. Jepsen, S. (2022) My leadership inspiration: Indra Nooyi’s focus on people, SWITCH. Available at: https://switchthefuture.com/2018/03/09/my-leadership-inspiration-indra-nooyis-focuson-people/ (Accessed: 30 August 2023). 4. Jepsen, S. (2022) My leadership inspiration: Indra Nooyi’s focus on people, SWITCH. Available at: https://switchthefuture.com/2018/03/09/my-leadership-inspiration-indra-nooyis-focuson-people/ (Accessed: 30 August 2023). 5. Schulman, T. (no date) Dead poets society quotes by N.H. Kleinbaum, Goodreads. Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1207563-dead-poets-society (Accessed: 30 August 2023).
