What Qualities Define a Successful Leader?

Having a good work attitude is considered the top attribute of organizational leaders, according to a recent survey from the Leveraging Genius Institute of Gap International. So, while you should certainly take pride in your technology knowledge, senior executives say that the presence of tech skills doesn't make as great an impact as having the right attitude and mindset. The findings primarily focus on a select group of qualities that make a successful leader: attitude and mindset, people skills and team building, industry experience, and tech skills and expertise. Among the reasons why skills aren't considered as critical: Executives consider it much easier to improve an employee's tech skills than to change a bad attitude. "Employers recognize the difficulties faced in developing their people to perform consistently at a high level," says Eric Jackson, vice president at Gap International. "The findings are quite telling: Technical skills and expertise, traditionally given the most attention, may not be as critical as focusing on mindset and attitude when long-term success is in mind." As an added bonus, we're including some best practices on conveying a positive workplace attitude. They were compiled from a number of online resources, including those posted by workplace911. More than 300 senior executives took part in the Leveraging Genius Institute's research, which was conducted by Harris Poll.