8 Virtues of Great Leaders
A virtue, in general, can be defined as a deeply rooted and consistently practiced moral quality or excellence of character that guides a person’s behavior toward what is good and constructive. In humans, virtues shape our actions, decisions, and relationships with others. They represent not just skills or talents, but enduring qualities of being. In the context of leadership, virtues take on even greater significance. As highlighted in The Eight Virtues of Great Leaders by Eli Amdur, virtues differentiate true leaders from those who merely hold positions of authority. Unlike skills that can be taught and measured, virtues reflect the leader’s inner character and humanity — how they inspire, guide, and influence others beyond technical competence. Here’s how virtues specifically relate to leadership: 1. Vision: Great leaders possess a forward-looking clarity, seeing possibilities and paths before others do. This virtue fuels their capacity to inspire and mobilize people tow...