Passionate Leadership: 12 Key Traits That Distinguish The Best From The Rest

This article was originally published on September 7, 2016, and has been updated.

Do you remember your first encounter with a passionate leader?

The reality is that any leader can be passionate…if they know what to do.

But first, let’s look at why this is so important.

Passionate leaders are fully engaged and committed to achieving their goals while helping others achieve theirs.

When you’re in the presence of a passionate leader, your sensory system is stimulated – your emotions are stirred as you pick up their positive, contagious energy.

There is a significant difference between leaders who lead with their title and leaders who lead with passion.

So, what makes great leaders stand out?

There is a significant difference between leaders who lead with their title and leaders who lead with passion. So, what makes great leaders stand out? Click To Tweet

12 traits of a great (passionate) leader

In a nutshell, passionate leaders lead with heart and soul!

We all know our goal is engaged staff…but how do we get there?

When you bring your passion to work you motivate your team to rise above today’s issues. You lead with your attitude first.

Any time is a good time to lead with passion.

If you recognize that leadership starts with you, you can begin to study and apply the following traits to raise your own level of passion, “leader” or not.

Here are 12 traits that distinguish passionate leaders from the rest.

Passionate leaders rise above naysayers. They seek solutions rather than problems, critique instead of criticize, and look for the good in every situation.
Passionate leaders have a profound understanding of people. They are open-minded, appreciate differences, and respect divergent opinions.
Passionate leaders are outstanding communicators. They listen with intent to genuinely understand, rather than to advance their own agenda.
Passionate leaders have clarity of vision. They are future-focused and have the capacity to engage others to realize their goals.
Passionate leaders see opportunity in adversity. They recognize that failure is part of success, and embrace challenges.
Passionate leaders are fuelled by positive energy. They surround themselves with like-minded people and are enriched by collaborative relationships.
Passionate leaders have compassion. They give for the sake of giving, expecting nothing in return.
Passionate leaders are resourceful. They recognize potential and intuitively utilize others’ strengths, rather than try to be all things to all people.
Passionate leaders anticipate rather than react. They are free thinkers and do not subscribe to the “herd” mentality.
Passionate leaders take action. They are risk-takers, execute ideas, and do not dawdle or dwell in the past.
Passionate leaders are lifelong learners. They remain teachable, aware, and tuned into key trends.
Passionate leaders believe in themselves. They trust their gut instinct, do not take criticism personally, and are undaunted by obstacles at work, in business, or in life.