Student Essay

Good leadership involves a diverse trait (or behavior) of an individual that makes one an epitome of a leader.   Being a great leader has got nothing to do with appearance.   Instead, it is based on the fine qualities one possesses.   The three ultimate characteristics of a good leader are: adaptability and flexibility, visionary and intelligence.
            Nielson, B. (2008, Para, 1) states, "A great leader does not fall apart when change and adversity show up." It is therefore crucial for a leader to make a concerted effort to adapt and flex as circumstances require it.   A successful leader is willing to leave his comfort zone, and learn continuously as a way of suiting to changed surroundings.   A 2008 study conducted by the Economist Intelligent Unit, Growing Global Executive Talent, showed that the top leadership qualities include the ability to facilitate change. (Martinuzzi, B. 2009, Para. 2). This proves that adaptability and flexibility has become a leadership imperative and thus is sought for in a good leader.
          Effective leaders not only have the adaptability and flexibility characteristics, but also have a clear and inspirational vision (McLaughlin, 2001).By establishing a clear vision for an organization to attain, it drives an organization to move forward to the goals and not grind to a standstill, and also establish a sense of direction to the leader. Thus, an organization will not go off track and lose sight of their purpose by providing guidelines that serves as boundaries for the organization to channel their focus in a certain direction (Blanchard, Hybels,& Hodges, 1999). In short, an effective leader must be able to manifest one’s vision by guiding an organization or people to achieve it.

                Intelligence is also one of the significant leadership traits (Ricketts, 2009).   Leadership always positively relate to intelligence or intellectual ability in which leaders tend to have higher intellect than non-leaders....