5 traits that leaders worth following have and how to build them

"We made a pivotal decision: We set aside our polished PowerPoint presentations and embraced a more human-centric approach. Instead of relying on formalities, we engaged in candid, face-to-face negotiations-often over a steaming cup of tea. This deliberate shift in strategy was about building genuine relationships, and it worked. By prioritizing trust and open dialogue, we laid the groundwork for a partnership that has not only endured, but flourished."

"In my own career, shaped through roles at world‑admired organizations like American Express and Amazon, I've come to rely on five core leadership traits that have consistently driven results, built strong cultures and turned ambiguity into opportunity. And as a leadership advisor at one of the world's preeminent executive leadership advisory firms, Egon Zehnder, I've seen those same five core qualities distinguish transformational leaders across industries."

"Great leaders don't just manage work: They read the room. Emotional intelligence (EQ) enables leaders to pick up on unspoken cues, navigate tense conversations, and build authentic relationships grounded in trust. Why it matters People don't perform at their best when they feel overlooked or undervalued. EQ creates psychological safety, which is the foundation of innovation, collaboration and accountability. Leaders who lead with empathy foster a culture of trust,"

A strategic expansion into a Eurasian market revealed that conventional business playbooks were inadequate and required deep appreciation for cultural nuances and regional dynamics. The team replaced formal presentations with human-centered, face-to-face negotiations, often conducted over tea, to build genuine relationships. Prioritizing trust and open dialogue produced a durable, flourishing partnership. Five core leadership traits — including emotional intelligence and empathy — drive results, strengthen culture, and convert ambiguity into opportunity. Emotional intelligence enables leaders to read the room, detect unspoken cues, navigate tense conversations, and create psychological safety, which underpins innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

Read at Fast Company