Leaders are self aware

Self awareness can be a part of emotional intelligence. It is the ability to be aware of oneself, not just who you are and where you are. It is the ability to recognize and manage your emotions, your actions and reactions. It is your intuitive ability to perceive, assess, identify and modify your emotions. It includes the ability to interpret the emotions of a group.

Being self aware is not a new concept, it's been around since Darwin and probably before him. When you sense what is going on around and within you and can adjust in an appropriate manner, you are learning self awareness and emotional intelligence. Some people do not have the capacity do develop EI, it comes with certain hard wiring not everyone has.

When you sense the mood, tension or excitement of a group, you are learning how to develop your EI. Some leaders when they experience the shift in mood in a group are able to turn the focus back to where it needs to be, whether reining in a downward spiral or an overly rambunctious group. It is a skill and ability that is not easily found.

Leaders are self aware, some are more aware than others.

Leaders communicate frequently

Leaders communicate all the time, not just occasionally or frequently. Not just in writing or orally. They communicate their values, the mission, the goals, the tough times and good times. Leaders communicate all the time, especially about what's going on in the organization and what's expected. It may sound like overload or over doing something that sounds like common sense, but you would be so surprised at what people perceive or believe to be true or believe to be expected when it's not made clear.

Leaders don't want people trying to guess what they want or what is expected. What a waste of time, talent and resources. It is not hard nor is it very time consuming to communicate to everyone what's going on, what's coming up, where the organization is going and what is expected.

Leaders make sure they are clear in the communication as well. They know that being specific cuts down on guess work, mistakes and confusion. It helps reduce the misinformation that can sink a good project or way lay a good team member.

Excellent communications is one of the traits of an excellent leader.