People Who Are Natural-Born Leaders Usually Share These 11 Traits
Leadership skills can be developed, but natural-born leaders are just built a certain way.
Dragana Gordic / Shutterrstock Everyone would love to believe that they are a leader, carving out their own path in life and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Though anyone can develop leadership skills, people who are natural-born leaders share some particular traits and characteristics that appear early on and seem instinctive rather than learned.
Natural-born leaders tend to have traits that make others gravitate toward them and follow their lead. While some people have to grow and learn to become leaders, those who just are seem to have been born that way. Their ability to lead is a result of nature rather than nurture, and some specific things about them tell you they are natural-born leaders.
People who are natural-born leaders usually share these 11 traits
1. Confidence (without arrogance)
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A true leader exudes self-assurance, no matter how uncertain the situation is. Natural-born leaders are confident in themselves without giving off an air of arrogance. Because they exhibit such poise under pressure, people feel safe and secure in following them. They focus on being self-aware and humble and can acknowledge their shortcomings while celebrating their strengths.
That internal confidence comes from their high drive for excellence. Natural-born leaders have lofty standards for themselves and others and strive for continuous improvement. They are courageous enough to take risks, say the uncomfortable thing, and make hard decisions.
2. Great communication
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It's hard to lead if people don't understand where you are taking them. Natural-born leaders speak clearly, confidently, and precisely. They can read the room and understand their intended audience, so they cater their messaging to what resonates, while remaining their truest selves. The way that they effectively articulate their ideas motivates others to follow.
Not only do they get their point across, but they also know how to actively listen to others to ensure understanding. They are present in the conversation, not disruptive, and don't put up their defenses when they hear something they don't like. They choose to engage with an open mind to see things from all perspectives.
3. Emotional intelligence
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When it comes to great leaders, the value of emotional intelligence cannot be expressed enough. People who possess a high emotional quotient (EQ) can understand, use, and manage their own emotions positively. They use this acumen to decrease stress levels, empathize with others, solve problems, and defuse conflict.
Natural-born leaders are good at reading and responding to others, even recognizing non-verbal cues. They build strong relationships and trust by remaining empathetic to the people they lead. That willingness to care creates loyalty and makes any team they are a part of more cohesive.
4. Decisiveness
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Leaders who happen to have been born that way make decisions quickly and confidently. They might be under extreme pressure or may not have all of the answers, but they remain cool and calm, using what they have to come to the best conclusions and outcomes.
They are aware of the responsibility involved in making choices that could impact other people negatively or positively and are prepared to shoulder it. They don't make excuses when they fail and use the lessons to make even better decisions in the future. Leaders do the best that they can with the information they have.
5. Accountability
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It takes a strong and ethical person to take accountability when they mess up. It's easy to place the blame on people of things outside of your control, but if you can take the road less traveled and own up to your mistakes, you are the epitome of a leader.
People who were born to lead don't just take responsibility for where they went wrong. They take their entire team under their wing and take accountability for their performance as well. They understand that a fish rots from the head, and the quality of their followers' work is a direct result of the leadership they provided.
6. Visionary thinking
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A natural-born leader has vision. They can see the big picture and paint it for others to inspire them in a compelling way. Leaders get people excited about the road ahead and happy to be a part of the journey. They build faith in others that transcends obstacles and odds that are not in their favor.
True leaders know how to think strategically, staying steps ahead and anticipating challenges before they arise. They can come up with short-term actions that align with long-term goals, keeping the end results top of mind.
7. Resilience
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Being born a leader means that you fall nine times and get up ten. Your bounceback is unmatched, and people can rely on you for a come-from-behind victory when it seems that all is lost. They know that you may be down, but you are never out.
That resilience is necessary when you encounter setbacks that might break an average person. You deal with loss by taking action and understanding how you can avoid it in the future. You are the type who can bend in any direction when circumstances change. That adaptability and flexibility allow you to pivot without losing focus or momentum.
8. Integrity
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Natural-born leaders do the right thing, even when no one is watching. They are guided by an impenetrable internal values system and a clear sense of right and wrong. This ethical mindset is noticed by others and earns respect and trust among their peers.
An authentic leader would never cheat to win because they strongly believe that if they stay on the straight and narrow and believe in themselves, a win is inevitable. Leaders don't take shortcuts, opting instead to come up with new, fair ways to do old things that make them more efficient.
9. Inspiration over authority
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Authority can be tricky. There are those who abuse their power because it makes them feel superior. Then there are those who do it right, choosing to lead by inspiring others instead of adopting an authoritarian standpoint. Leaders who know how to lead model the behavior they want to see in others. They earn their respect rather than demanding it simply because they have the title or the status.
They use their natural influence, even when they have no formal authority, to guide or sway group decisions. The way that they carry themselves and communicate with others gives the impression that they know what they are doing, and who doesn't want to get behind a subject matter expert?
10. Charisma and charm
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If you've ever encountered a natural-born leader, you know how magnetic their presence is. There is something about them that draws people in, attracted to their energy, enthusiasm for life, and inspirational vision. They have unmatched charisma and charm that comes naturally to them without feeling forced or contrived.
Their authenticity is apparent, and their strong sense of self is something that others see and admire. Real leaders are genuine and true to themselves, no matter who is watching. They don't adjust their persona to suit others and believe that whoever is meant to follow them will. That detached attitude is a huge part of their appeal.
11. Initiative
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What good are amazing ideas without intentional action? A leader knows that you can't just talk about it, you've gotta be about it. They don't just pay lip service, spouting out grandiose concepts and plans to make themselves look knowledgeable. They back up their words with action.
A natural-born leader who takes initiative unknowingly convinces others to do the same. They exemplify ways to get things done that eliminate stalls and mitigate problems. A good leader will be the first to step up and take charge when challenges arise, and anyone lucky enough to follow them will adapt many of the high-level habits they display.
NyRee Ausler is a writer from Seattle, Washington, and the author of seven books. She focuses on lifestyle and human interest stories that deliver informative and actionable guidance on interpersonal relationships, enlightenment, and self-discovery.
