As a leader who has managed teams of up to 600 people in a fast-paced business with a constant flow of people movement, spotting talent quickly is critical to run a business. Here are the top attributes I look for in a leader:

1. Authentic & Transparent
   You can sense in a matter of minutes if you feel someone’s warmth, if they are comfortable in their own skin and if you feel a sense of trust.

2. Has Empathy & Empowers Teams
   Be empathetic and real with all of your interactions. Empower teams, recognize them, give them exposure to upper management. They will trust you and deliver 150%.

3. Not Addicted to Approval
   People that manage day to day and make decisions solely to please others are going to be afraid of sometimes making the right decision, even if it’s an unpopular one.

4. Knows How to Ask/Powerful Communicator
   Whether you are asking a customer for the sale or asking senior management for funding for a project…be fact based to state your case, it adds credibility and takes emotion out of discussions. One you have a credible case, ASK. If you can communicate powerfully, you can lead change and inspire others to get on board.

5. Mentors Others/Extends the Ladder
   I have worked with leaders that come with a reputation for promoting and mentoring many people and loving to watch them thrive. You don’t want to be known for being the one that holds someone back.

6. Collaborates
   Share best practices with your peers and help the tide rise across the entire team. In a company of any size, if you are a bull in china shop or someone that can’t be trusted, people will not want to work with you out of fear, stealing credit and may even deliberately slow you down.

7. Results Driven
   Always work with the end goal in mind. We are being paid to hit milestones, reach goals, move quickly. Many times, the goals feel impossible but if you break down how to make the plan…where there is a will, there is a way.

8. Get it Roughly Right and Go
   I have had a few work interactions where the phrase “analysis paralysis” comes to mind. Research, managing with facts, understanding competitive landscape is critical. But don’t wait so long that you actually miss the market. Some decisions have to be made without anticipating 100% of the risks.

9. Have Fun
   We spend so many of our waking hours at work and with people at work. Laughter, joking, asking about people’s passions, hobbies, families and showing more of yourself through storytelling about your personal life goes a long way. It also breeds trust and shows your authentic self.

10. Glass half full/can-do attitude
    Glass half full… leading with the power of positivity. I spoke with someone a few weeks ago on a Thursday and he said happy mini-Friday. It made me smile and put me in a good mood. Having a can-do attitude… It’s that vibe of “got it” “on it.” You come across as on board, willing to chip in, volunteer to take an extra project and share your knowledge for the good of the team. You will go far if you can master this.