The A to Z of Leadership: 26 Traits That Make Great Leaders

Introduction

Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about how you show up, day after day. The best leaders blend self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and practical skills to create environments where people and ideas thrive.

This A-to-Z guide explores 26 essential leadership traits that inspire, support, and drive meaningful change. 

Which traits do you already embody, and which could you strengthen?

Taking a Closer Look: The 26 Traits That Make Great Leaders

A = Authenticity
True leadership starts with being real. People follow leaders who are genuine, transparent, and aligned with their values. Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds strong teams.

B = Bravery
Leadership takes courage – courage to make tough decisions, to speak up, and to embrace uncertainty. Brave leaders step forward even when it’s uncomfortable.

C = Curiosity
Great leaders ask great questions. Staying curious keeps you open to new ideas, different perspectives, and continuous learning.

D = Delegation
Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself – it’s about supporting others to grow. Effective delegation builds team confidence and frees up energy for higher-level thinking.

E = Empathy
Understanding and valuing people’s experiences makes for stronger, more compassionate leadership. Empathy fosters trust, collaboration, and psychological safety.

F = Feedback
Honest, constructive feedback helps teams grow. The best leaders give feedback with kindness – and are open to receiving it, too.

G = Gratitude
Appreciation goes a long way. Recognising efforts and celebrating wins – big or small – boosts morale and motivation.

H = Humility
True leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers. They listen, learn, and acknowledge their mistakes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

I = Interested
Great leaders show genuine interest in their people – not just in performance, but in their wellbeing, ambitions, and growth.

J = Joy
A positive culture starts at the top. Leaders who embrace joy – finding meaning and lightness in their work – create environments where others can thrive.

K = Kindness
Kindness is a leadership superpower! It fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and creates workplaces where people feel valued.

L = Listening
The best leaders don’t just talk – they listen. Deep, attentive listening helps leaders understand their teams, make better decisions, and create meaningful connections.

M = Mistakes (as Opportunities to Learn)
Mistakes are inevitable; what matters is how you respond. Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities fosters resilience and innovation.

N = Nurturing
Strong leaders help others grow. Providing support, encouragement, and opportunities to develop is essential to building strong teams.

O = Optimistic
Optimism isn’t about ignoring challenges – it’s about believing in solutions. A leader’s outlook sets the tone for their team.

P = Purpose
Leaders with a clear sense of purpose inspire those around them. Purpose fuels motivation and keeps teams focused on what truly matters.

Q = Quality (Not Perfection)
Excellence matters, but perfectionism can be a trap. Great leaders focus on doing their best, learning, and improving – not on impossible standards.

R = Reflection
Taking time to reflect – on decisions, successes, and failures – allows leaders to learn, adapt, and lead with greater wisdom.

S = Self-care
We can’t lead or care for others effectively if we don’t first take care of ourselves. Prioritising rest, wellbeing, and healthy boundaries ensures that leaders have the energy and clarity to support those around them.

T = Transparency
People respect leaders who are honest and open. Transparency fosters trust and creates a culture of integrity.

U = Understanding
A leader who seeks to understand rather than judge creates stronger connections and better outcomes.

V = Vulnerability
True strength in leadership comes from being real, not pretending to be invincible. Vulnerability fosters trust, authenticity, and deeper relationships.

W = Work-Life Harmony
Sustainable leadership isn’t about burning out – it’s about integrating work and life in a way that allows you to thrive.

X = eXample
Leaders set the tone. The best way to inspire is to lead by example – through actions, not just words.

Y = Yes, AND…
Adapted from improv, this mindset fosters collaboration. Instead of shutting down ideas, great leaders build on them.

Z = Zest
Passion is contagious. Leaders who bring energy and enthusiasm to their work inspire others to do the same.

Authentic leadership isn’t about ticking off a checklist of traits – it’s about how you embody these qualities in your daily actions. 

Some of these traits may come naturally to you, while others might take more intention and practice. The key is to keep learning, reflecting, and growing. 

Small, consistent steps in the right direction make all the difference.

Additional Resources for Healthcare Leaders:

Coaching can help you strengthen these leadership traits in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and aligned with your values. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, set clearer boundaries, communicate more effectively, or lead with greater purpose, coaching provides a supportive and practical space to explore what’s next.

Tools like the Hogan 360 can also shine a light on your strengths, blind spots, and leadership impact – helping you understand where you’re thriving and where there’s room to grow. It’s a powerful way to get clear on what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where to focus your energy.

If you’re curious about how coaching or a Hogan 360 assessment might support your leadership journey, I’d love to connect. You can book a no-obligation discovery call here. 

You don’t have to figure it all out alone – and you don’t need to change everything at once. Just start where you are, and take the next step.