Leadership Qualities of Financial Executives

This study of 181 financial executives identified leadership qualities important for that role. Seven leadership qualities were frequently associated with effective leaders: the ability to adjust; the ability to provide a compelling message or vision; a strong personal value or belief system; the ability to make desired outcomes tangible; the ability to listen; the willingness to provide appropriate information, resources, and support to allow employees to become empowered; and the ability to maintain precise desired outcomes. Financial leaders indicated that these four keys to leadership were most important to their own leadership style: trusting subordinates, 41" developing a vision, simplifying, and remaining under control. As for other leadership attributes, respondents rated the following as most important: dependability, credibility, responsibility, accountability, self-confidence, decisiveness, emotional stamina, loyalty, desire, stewardship, courage, empathy, tenacity, and anticipation.