Great leaders change the world through energy and action. From artists and activists to business innovators and CEOs, leaders come from various fields to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Black History Month is the perfect time to reflect on various Black leaders and what leadership traits they share with the top CEO's from our current business landscape.
Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest leaders in America's long and troubled history, has been studied and revered for his ability to galvanize support and create a movement of epic proportions. More than an isolated figure, MLK is a great example of leadership in action. In this article, we'll look at six prominent leadership traits of the top 1% of CEOs and how MLK and other transformative change-makers embodied them. These historic examples will clarify how you too can unlock these qualities and integrate them into your own professional life.
Table of Contents:
6 Leadership Traits That Drive Impact
Great leadership is made possible by timeless personality traits. These distinguishing characteristics are shared by iconic historic figures, top CEOs, and cultural innovators worldwide. While individuals shape history, the qualities they share belong to us all.
1. Decisive and Action-Oriented
Leaders need the ability to assess situations and take appropriate action. Positive actions are bold but never impulsive, with access to information supporting clear and considered decision-making.
MLK is the perfect example of a decisive leader. He took pivotal actions under pressure throughout his life, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Harriet Tubman is another great example, overcoming physical abuse and slavery to expand the Underground Railroad to Canada.
2. Committed and Focused
This trait is about staying resolute despite difficulties and distractions. Losing focus is easy in the modern world — great leaders have the clarity of mind and mental discipline required to stay on point.
Fannie Lou Hamer was 100% focused on civil and voting rights, even when faced with poverty, police brutality, and forced sterilization. In the face of personal adversity, she brought about significant cultural progress.
3. Adaptable and Agile
Great leaders need the ability to adjust in the face of change. True strength is never static; it involves feedback and flexibility based on evolving circumstances.
Bayard Rustin is a great example of this trait in action. He organized the 1963 March on Washington, navigating the shifting political climate to push for civil and gay rights based on non-violence.
4. Disciplined and Resilient
Resilience in leadership is about maintaining consistency and driving toward long-term goals. Positive change never happens overnight; it requires robust individuals with immense drive and a strong work ethic.
Clara Luper maintained non-violent resistance during the Oklahoma City Sit-Ins, showing unshakable discipline when needed. She led prominent campaigns to gain equal banking rights, employment opportunities, and voting rights.
5. Visionary Thinking
Profound change requires out-of-the-box thinking. Historic leaders craft novel strategies to inspire communities and guide people toward a better future.
Bell Hooks is a great example of visionary leadership, providing early transformative insights on race, feminism, and education. She inspired systemic change through powerful words like "Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect and trust."
6. Good Sense of Judgment
This practical trait is about building teams and making alliances. No one changes the world by themselves. Leaders need to align their values with their professional network and wider community.
Shirley Chisholm formed the National Black Women's Political Caucus and other coalitions, becoming the first Black woman in Congress and making a lasting impact on justice and equality.
Lessons from History: The Power of Leadership in Action
Understanding the shared nature of personality traits can be a force of optimism, especially in such difficult times. By understanding how people have overcome profound difficulties in the past, we can draw strength and inspiration to face the challenges of today. For example, instead of approaching your lack of focus or discipline as a personality deficiency, you can see it as an opportunity to build a stronger and more balanced character profile.
Reshaping society is never easy; however, it takes courage and hard work. The traits listed above are only valuable when they're put into action. Black historical leaders acted upon their traits repeatedly until they cemented change. Modern leaders do the same, with Derrick Johnson a great example. He advocates for policy changes to promote racial justice as the President and CEO of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Applying These Traits to Your Own Leadership Journey
If you want to have a positive impact on your life and community, actionable steps are needed. Old habits are difficult to break, and a detailed plan is required before change takes hold.
The following steps will help you cultivate these six traits in your personal and professional life:
Decisiveness: Practice making quick, informed decisions in everyday situations.
Focus: Identify key goals and eliminate distractions to stay aligned with your vision.
Agility: Learn to think on your toes and make changes when required.
Resilience: Develop habits that keep you consistent, even during setbacks.
Insights: Put yourself in novel situations and learn to think outside the box.
Judgment: Align your personal vision with your community and culture.
When building these traits, it's important to learn from others while also teaching the next generation. Mentorship is a key piece of the puzzle, along with personal self-reflection and continuous learning. Black History Month is the perfect time to honor the legacy of these great leaders — not just by listening to their stories but also by learning their traits. When you embody the qualities and characteristics of key individuals, you can drive meaningful change in your own community.
Celebrate Black History Month by reflecting on the leadership traits of historic change-makers. Join the Leadership Refinery to level set, reset, and upskill your professional life. When you focus on the key traits of proven historic leaders, you will become a more confident leader in your own life — here and now.
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