What does it take? 6 personality traits every CEO should nurture

1. A good listener

Having the ability to listen attentively is perhaps one of the most crucial qualities of a CEO. No business leader does things alone – they listen to trusted members of management and staff and seek their advice, listen to their thoughts, and weigh their opinions to make sound decisions.

2. Natural optimism

Confidence should not be confused with arrogance, and optimism shouldn’t be confused with day-dreaming. The skill a CEO must hone is being able to find a balance between these traits, projecting belief in the company while always looking for ways to remain curious.

3. A sense of curiosity

Curiosity, in fact, is another critical trait for CEOs to nurture. How else can you lead a company to grow if not through a constant desire to learn, pursuing what you don’t know, and then harnessing that knowledge to create new areas of business?

4. Strong communication skills

The phrase ‘communication is key’ couldn’t be more crucial here, and thus having strong communication skills is a must for a CEO, effectively being able to say what is needed, when, by whom and in a clear, transparent manner, without instigating conflict and with a capacity to boost your team with motivating words when needed.

5. Open to taking calculated risks

Embracing risk is one of the personality traits that separates leaders from other members of their management team. Taking calculated risks can lead to transformative change within one’s business, setting it on a path for industry-wide success, while also building confidence within you as a leader.

6. A strategic thinker

To use the oft quoted phrase, being able to ‘think outside the box’ is an invaluable tool in a CEOs arsenal. The capacity to see that tried and tested methods are no longer working for your business and have the willingness to change them is the kind of strategic thinking that will set up your business for ever-changing times and long-term success.