Leaders show the way in organisations. While clear vision, sound judgement, knowledge and passion are qualities essential for successful leaders, there are some other essential traits that define good leadership.

Ethics: Leadership is built on trust. Leaders need to ensure that their conduct inspires the confidence of the people they lead. They must consistently espouse and act upon their values, standards and principles in their public as well as private lives.

Knowledge: Knowledge helps develop perspective. It also opens up the mind and removes biases. And it is this that helps leaders to see the big picture and develop an agenda that is aligned not only to the present but also to the future.

The ability to listen: Almost everyone can hear. But few really listen, especially when they are at the top. Good leaders need to be patient listeners-they must listen to their colleagues and collaborators, to markets and constituencies, and ultimately, to themselves. This feedback is vital to their staying on course to success.

Decisiveness: Good leaders listen to all but do what they think is best for their companies. Leaders must rely on their intuition while making key decisions.

Communication: Through communication, leaders inform, convince, unite, motivate, and direct their flock. The power to inform and persuade is critical to winning the hearts and minds of employees-something that is essential to leading organisations effectively.

Exemplification: Credibility comes from walking the talk. Stepping back while others take risks simply doesn't work for leaders. They must be where they are expected to be-ahead, in front, leading the charge.