In the world of leadership, certain traits are often celebrated: vision, decisiveness, and charisma. These are the qualities that make headlines, fill up leadership books, and dominate boardroom discussions. But what about the quieter, less flashy traits that can make or break a leader’s success? Traits like coachability, empathy, vulnerability, patience, curiosity, resilience, and gratitude. These underappreciated strengths are the secret sauce that can transform good leaders into exceptional ones. While they may not always grab attention, their impact is undeniable, shaping not only how leaders perform but how they inspire and elevate those around them.
In today’s fast-paced, constantly evolving work environment, the need for these traits has never been greater. Yet, they’re often overlooked in favor of more traditional leadership qualities. This article dives deep into why these 7 traits are undervalued and how embracing them can lead to more effective, authentic, and impactful leadership. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, understanding and cultivating these traits can set you apart and drive success for both you and your team.
Coachability
What It Is
Coachability is the willingness to receive feedback, learn from others, and continuously improve. It’s about recognizing that no matter how experienced or skilled you are, there’s always room for growth. Coachable leaders remain open to new ideas, perspectives, and constructive criticism.
Why It’s Underappreciated
In many leadership cultures, there’s a self-proclaimed expectation that leaders should have all the answers. Admitting that you don’t know something or that you need help can be seen as a sign of weakness. This mindset undervalues the power of coachability, prioritizing ego over growth.
Why It Matters
Coachability allows leaders to adapt to changing circumstances, learn from their mistakes, and stay ahead of the curve. Leaders who embrace feedback are better equipped to navigate complex challenges and foster a culture of continuous improvement. For example, imagine a CEO who regularly seeks input from their team and uses it to refine strategies. This not only improves their own decision-making but also encourages a workplace where learning is valued at every level.
How to Cultivate It
- Actively seek feedback from your team, peers, and mentors.
- Reflect on feedback and identify specific areas for improvement.
- Be open to experimentation. Try new approaches and learn from both successes and failures.
Empathy
What It Is
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. Empathetic leaders connect with their teams on a human level, recognizing emotions and experiences beyond just the workday.
Why It’s Underappreciated
Empathy is often dismissed as a “soft skill,” especially in results-driven environments where data and outcomes take center stage. Leaders may fear that showing empathy could make them appear too emotional or indecisive, but this overlooks its power to build trust and loyalty.
Why It Matters
Empathy is essential for creating a supportive and motivated team. Leaders who understand their team’s challenges, whether professional or personal, can address concerns before they escalate, boost morale, and foster a sense of belonging. For example, a manager who takes the time to understand an employee’s workload struggles and adjusts expectations accordingly not only prevents burnout but also strengthens the employee’s commitment to the team.
How to Cultivate It
- Practice active listening. Focus fully on what others are saying without interrupting.
- Ask open-ended questions to better understand your team’s experiences and challenges.
- Check in regularly, especially during high-stress periods.
Vulnerability
What It Is
Vulnerability is the courage to show your human side. This is virtually unheard of for some in a leadership position, but the value of admitting mistakes, sharing challenges, and being open about uncertainties shows that you can see eye to eye with employees of every level. It’s about leading with authenticity rather than projecting an image of invincibility.
Why It’s Underappreciated
Leaders are often expected to be strong, confident, and unflappable. Showing vulnerability can feel risky, as it might be mistaken for weakness or incompetence. However, this mindset ignores the trust and connection that vulnerability can build.
Why It Matters
Vulnerability fosters authenticity and trust, making leaders more relatable and approachable. When a leader admits a mistake in a team meeting and uses it as a learning opportunity, it encourages others to take risks and learn from failures without fear of judgment. This creates a culture where innovation and growth can thrive.
How to Cultivate It
- Share your challenges or mistakes when appropriate, and discuss what you’ve learned.
- Encourage open dialogue by asking for input on your leadership style.
- Be transparent about uncertainties, especially during times of change.
Patience
What It Is
Patience is the ability to take the time to listen, consider, and mentor without rushing to judgment or action. It’s about valuing process over immediate results and giving others the space to grow.
Why It’s Underappreciated
In a world that prioritizes speed and efficiency, patience can seem like a luxury. Leaders are often pressured to deliver quick wins, which can make thoughtful, deliberate action feel counterintuitive or even impractical. Yet, patience is key to long-term success.
Why It Matters
Patience leads to better decision-making and stronger team development. A leader who mentors a struggling employee rather than immediately replacing them invests in that person’s growth, which can pay off in loyalty and improved performance. Patience also allows leaders to navigate complex situations with clarity, avoiding knee-jerk reactions.
How to Cultivate It
- Pause before responding to challenges or feedback.
- Set aside time for mentoring and development conversations.
- Focus on long-term goals and celebrate incremental progress.
Curiosity
What It Is
Curiosity is the desire to seek new perspectives, ask questions, and explore ideas beyond the obvious. It’s about challenging assumptions and staying open to learning, even when you think you know the answer.
Why It’s Underappreciated
Leaders are often expected to be decisive and confident, which can discourage questioning or exploring alternatives. Curiosity might be seen as indecisiveness, but in reality, it’s a driver of innovation and adaptability.
Why It Matters
Curiosity fuels creativity and keeps teams ahead of the curve. A leader who encourages brainstorming and implements innovative ideas from the team fosters a culture where fresh thinking is valued. This openness to new approaches helps organizations stay agile and competitive in rapidly changing environments.
How to Cultivate It
- Ask “why” and “what if” questions regularly, especially about routine processes.
- Encourage your team to share ideas, even if they challenge the status quo.
- Dedicate time to learning through reading, workshops, or conversations with diverse thinkers.
Resilience
What It Is
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to adversity, and maintain focus on long-term goals. It’s about staying steady in the face of challenges and modeling perseverance for your team.
Why It’s Underappreciated
While resilience is often admired in hindsight, the day-to-day process of building it through small failures and recoveries is less celebrated. Leaders may feel pressure to appear unshakable, but true resilience is about growth through struggle and we have all been there. Whether you care to admit it or not.
Why It Matters
Resilient leaders provide stability and confidence, especially during turbulent times. A leader who navigates a company through a crisis, learns from the experience, and emerges stronger not only safeguards the organization but also inspires the team to persevere. Resilience turns setbacks into opportunities for growth.
How to Cultivate It
- Reflect on past challenges and identify what helped you recover.
- Practice self-care to maintain your energy and focus during tough times.
- Share stories of resilience with your team to normalize overcoming obstacles.
Gratitude
What It Is
Gratitude is the practice of recognizing and appreciating the efforts, contributions, and achievements of others. It’s about acknowledging that success is a team effort and showing genuine appreciation for those who make it possible.
Why It’s Underappreciated
Gratitude can be seen as a “nice-to-have” rather than a leadership essential. In high-pressure environments, leaders may focus more on what’s next than on celebrating what’s been accomplished. However, gratitude is a powerful tool for building loyalty and motivation.
Why It Matters
Gratitude boosts morale, strengthens relationships, and fosters a positive workplace culture. A leader who regularly acknowledges team members’ efforts, whether through public recognition or a simple thank-you note, creates an environment where people feel valued and motivated to give their best.
How to Cultivate It
- Thank team members for specific contributions, both big and small.
- Celebrate wins as a team, highlighting individual roles in achieving success.
- Model gratitude consistently to encourage a culture of appreciation.
Wrap It Up
While traits like vision and decisiveness are important, it’s the underappreciated traits of coachability, empathy, vulnerability, patience, curiosity, resilience, and gratitude that truly set exceptional leaders apart. These traits enable leaders to connect with their teams, foster innovation, and navigate challenges with grace and authenticity. In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, it’s these quiet strengths that make a lasting impact.
As you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider which of these traits you already embody and which ones you could cultivate further. The path to exceptional leadership starts with a willingness to grow and a commitment to these often overlooked qualities. By embracing them, you can not only enhance your own leadership but also inspire and elevate those around you. So, take a moment to assess your leadership style. What steps will you take today to become the leader your team needs tomorrow?
-Kenneth Doerksen
