A good leader has three kinds of focus: on self, on others and on the wider world. Focus on self means self-awareness and self-control; focus on others means cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, empathic concern and building relationships; focus on the wider world means strategy and innovation. These traits can be learnt and are not necessarily inborn.
Last updated · Bodhih Insights team · reviewed by Siddharthan VGJ, Founder
Given the central role that leaders play in an organisation, the question foremost in most people’s minds is what constitutes a good leader? A good leader has focus on self, focus on others and focus on the wider world. Focus on self includes self awareness and self control. Focusing on others means the ability to display cognitive empathy, emotional empathy and empathic concern. A leader must also have the willingness and capability to build relationships with others. Focusing on the wider world means a focus on strategy and being innovative. All of these traits of a modern leader can also be learnt and are not necessarily inborn.
Quick answers
Can leadership traits be learnt?
Yes. The traits of a modern leader, such as self-awareness, self-control, empathy, relationship-building, strategic focus and innovation, can be learnt and are not necessarily inborn. That is why organisations invest in developing them through leadership training rather than relying only on natural talent.
