Psychologists Hone in On Characteristics of Good Leaders


Once you have made the decision to start your own small business in the beading industry, you must accept the role of being a leader as an entrepreneur and a company owner. If you have already made the move to hire a full-time staff, your leadership will be a valuable skill in not only helping your business succeed, but your employees as well.

Over the past few years, psychologists have made a valiant effort to determine which characteristics make a good leader, according to the U.S. Small Business Association. Psychological tests have helped experts hone in on key traits that not only make individuals excel in leadership positions, but entrepreneurship careers as well.

Because business is a constantly changing industry, it takes a strong leader to ensure the success of a company. In the past, managers were expected to assume all of the responsibility that comes with running a small business. Now, the SBA says that leadership is becoming a specific trait that is commonly looked for in employees and entrepreneurs.

In order to be a good leader, emotional stability is key. Researchers say that the changing nature of the business requires individuals to maintain a level head in order to handle bumps along the road. Having the ability to control your emotions is significant when it comes to addressing everything from financial to staff issues.

A good leader must also be dominant. Although this trait can become overbearing at times, it's crucial for a leader to be ready and willing to tackle obstacles that develop over time. Idealistically, the person at the helm should enjoy solving problems and taking care of issues on a regular basis.

Oftentimes, psychologists find leaders to be enthusiastic as well. As an entrepreneur, you will need to be at the forefront of your business to make sure that you are meeting the demands of your clients. In the beginning stages of launching a company, the process can be exhausting. However, good leaders must exert large amounts of energy and maintain enthusiasm to reach their goals.

For amateur entrepreneurs, the prospect of self-employment and entering the industry for the first time can be intimidating. The SBA notes that some of the most successful entrepreneurs are those who have been able to uphold a sense of self-confidence. Psychologists have noticed that self-assurance is a reoccurring trend in leaders who have made a name for themselves in the business.

Stiff competition, customer demands and economic conditions can all cause a large amount of stress. Problems are bound to arise, but those who have the confidence to persevere have been known to see the most success in the field.

One trait that many new entrepreneurs exhibit is eagerness and compulsiveness. Opportunities are bound to present themselves in a number of ways throughout the history of a business, but how they are addressed contributes to the overall wellbeing of a company.

Good leaders are willing to take the time to fully weigh the pros and cons of every opportunity. Instead of being compulsive, an entrepreneur should be skeptical of all offers until they have taken the time to decide what's best for the company. Psychologists have noted this trait as a predominant factor in good leaders.

When making decisions, leaders are also known for choosing the best option through their intuition. Although logical thinking can solve some situations, trusting your gut can often help you pull through the tough issues. Good leaders know when and how to execute decisions to benefit their businesses.

Finally, charisma is the cherry on top of the list of valuable traits. Without charm and a little bit of wit, it can be difficult for an entrepreneur to attract employees and customers alike. Having a sense of humor and exerting a welcoming personality can go a long way in an industry with rigorous competition. Whether you're having difficulty marketing your product or establishing lasting relationships with clients, you can sprinkle on a little charisma to reach your goals.

Although having a business degree helps, not all successful entrepreneurs have a college education. The SBA has a number of resources on its website for individuals who are interested in seeking small business training from experts in the industry. Taking the extra step to further your know-how can pay off on this career path.

Both the SBA and psychologists remind entrepreneurs that leaders are typically not naturally born into the position. All of these traits can be picked up over time through training and simply working in the industry. When you put your mind to it, you can eventually find solutions to reach your small business goals and brand your company. Whether you want to sell your small beading jewelry online, at home or at a retail location, your opportunities are endless with a positive mindset.