7 Inspiring Leaders and the Traits That Made Them Great

7. Comfortable in their own skin. There are many leadership qualities that could be included in a list like this. So maybe this last item on my list will come to you as a surprise. But I feel that every leader must be confident, able to take criticism and not worry about the people who will be unhappy with any decision that’s made. The leader must be comfortable in his own skin.

Every leader I’ve mentioned here exhibits that. But I’ll mention someone who may surprise you—former President George W. Bush. We are not friends (as I am with everyone else on this list), but I felt I knew him well after publishing The Faith of George W. Bush in 2003. That’s because I read the first draft as the chapters came in, then the final galleys, and then, after the book was a best-seller, I read it through a third time. You come away from Stephen Mansfield’s biography of Bush believing he really has a genuine relationship with Jesus, that he’s basically a good man despite his many flaws, and that he is comfortable in his own skin.

I also met the president three times, including one interview. Up close I saw a leader who was decisive, forceful and very much comfortable with who he was despite how the press or liberals may have tried to characterize him.

What do you think? Do you agree with these examples? Do you know any of these people, and do you agree with my analysis? What traits did I leave out? I’m interested in your opinion.

By the way, if you liked this, share it on social media. I’m trying to increase my readership and I need your help. And let me recommend to you attending a future session of Dr. Mark Rutland’s National Institute on Christian Leadership. This is a partnership we’ve had with him for four years, and one of the four sessions wrapped up today in our offices. Click here to find out how you can participate.

Steve Strang is the founder and publisher of Charisma. Follow him on Twitter at @sstrang or on Facebook (stephenestrang).