---
title: 12 Characteristics of Effective Leaders
description: Learn about the different characteristics of effective leaders with this presentation outline from Carlisle Driggers.
---

[Keyser Blog | Commercial Real Estate Advocates ](https://blog.keyser.com)

# [12 Characteristics of Effective Leaders](https://blog.keyser.com/12-characteristics-of-effective-leaders)

 Written by [Jonathan Keyser](https://blog.keyser.com/author/jonathan-keyser) | 9:52 PM on February 17, 2015

*Following is an outline of a presentation given by [Carlisle Driggers](http://lakecountrybaptist.org/lakecountybaptist_churchleaders.html) at Bambi Lake.*

Leaders are made, not born. Leaders learn to lead; they are lifelong learners. Effective  
 leaders keep on learning, but they never arrive.

### Characteristics of Effective Leaders:

1. Effective leaders are results oriented. They help to set and reach goals. However,  
 they are not demanding, always looking over people’s shoulders, or heavy handed.

2. Effective leaders ask the right questions. They don’t try to come up with all the  
 answers. They ask questions like, “Have you thought about this?”

3. Effective leaders listen more and talk less. They have two ears and one mouth and  
 they use them accordingly.

4. Effective leaders know that the best time to act is when there is a crisis. People tend  
 to either run or be demanding in a crisis. Effective leaders address the challenges.

5. Effective leaders sell; they rarely tell. They begin with vision, purpose and values.  
 They influence people rather than telling them what to do.

6. Effective leaders identify and build on strengths while they manage weaknesses.  
 Every organization has at least one strength. They identify strengths and then add  
 to them. They don’t let weaknesses control the organization.

7. Effective leaders identify the basics and stay with them. The basics are purpose,  
 vision, values, and passion.

8. Effective leaders know that money follows mission. Money will come in to support a  
 passionately followed mission.

9. Effective leaders know how to handle interruptions with grace and patience, and  
 then get back to the basics. Interruptions are unavoidable, but effective leaders  
 quickly get back to their passion.

10. Effective leaders know the critical importance of getting the right people on the bus.  
 They have the right people in the organization, serving in the right positions.

11. Effective leaders change the conversation. They change the conversation from  
 negative to positive. They get out and talk a different, positive message.

12. Effective leaders know how to pray for divine guidance. Secular leaders pray. How  
 much more should Christian leaders pray for guidance?

Those who lead best find their own voice and help others find their voice. A leaders’ job is  
 to help those around him or her become effective leaders.

[View full post](https://blog.keyser.com/12-characteristics-of-effective-leaders)

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