(Insights adapted from the Center for Creative Leadership, by Cathleen Clerkin, Karissa McKenna, and Marissa Afton. Source: Characteristics of a Good Leader – CCL)
I used to think leadership was about being the one with all the answers. Turns out, it’s about being the one who keeps growing. The Center for Creative Leadership’s research really reframed what it means to lead effectively — not from the top down, but from the inside out.
These ten qualities have become my personal compass.
- Self-Awareness
Everything shifted when I started paying attention to how I actually show up — my triggers, my strengths, my blind spots. Self-awareness, as CCL reminds us, is the foundation of great leadership.
When I pause each week to reflect — What went well? What felt off? — I lead from alignment, not autopilot. - Respect
For me, respect means more than listening — it’s truly valuing perspectives that challenge my own. When people feel seen, they give their best. I often ask myself: how am I showing respect to the voices that differ from my own? - Compassion
I used to equate compassion with being “nice.” Now I see it as empathy plus action. Listening deeply is powerful; following through is transformational.
I try to ask: “What does support look like for you right now?” — and mean it. - Vision
A clear vision pulls everyone forward. When I connect my daily tasks to a bigger “why,” motivation follows naturally.
CCL calls this clarity a key driver of effective leadership (see full article here). - Communication
Leadership lives and dies in communication. I’ve learned to listen more than I speak, tell stories that connect, and keep my message simple. Every meaningful shift I’ve led started with a real conversation. - Learning Agility
I no longer feel pressure to “know it all.” Instead, I stay curious. The faster I learn, the faster I grow—and that’s contagious.
CCL’s research identifies adaptability as one of the strongest indicators of long-term leadership success. - Collaboration
The best results come when I replace “me” with “we.” I reach across teams, invite new voices, and let ideas evolve. Collaboration isn’t weakness — it’s strategy. - Influence
Influence is about trust, not titles. I strive to lead through alignment and authenticity, rather than authority. When I focus on shared values, people naturally lean in. - Integrity
I’ve learned that integrity isn’t a once-and-done decision — it’s daily alignment between my words and my actions. When I say I’ll do something, I follow through on it. And when I can’t, I own it. - Courage
Courage, for me, means doing the right thing even when it’s uncomfortable. Some of my hardest choices have been my proudest moments. Lots of people talk about leaders being brave. But for me, the courage element comes into play when things are difficult. Knowing something will be hard and still doing it is real courage.
Leadership requires a heart like that — steady, human, and courageous.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
CCL’s team says it best: leadership is learned, it’s social, and it’s a lifelong process. (Read their whole piece here).
These ten qualities aren’t a checklist; they’re practices that shape who I’m becoming. So if you’re on this path too, here’s my challenge: pick two qualities that resonate right now, and take one small action this week to live them out.
Because leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. And every time we show up with a little more courage, clarity, and compassion, we move the whole world forward.
About the Author
I’m someone who believes leadership isn’t about hierarchy — it’s about humanity. Through the work I do with teams and organizations, I help people lead with more clarity, courage, and connection. If you’re ready to build a culture that grows leaders from the inside out, explore more tools and ready-to-use training resources at oakinnovation.com.
Catherine Fitzgerald is the founder of Oak Innovation. With over 30 years of experience in the training and development industry, Catherine and her team are ideally positioned to help corporate trainers, people managers, and consultants access editable training course material.
