5 leadership traits to build

You don’t have to wait until you become a “leader” with a title. Start with these 5 leadership traits to build now.

5 Leadership Traits to build

1. Humility. Acknowledging mistakes and valuing others contributions.

Great leaders recognize they don’t have all the answers and are open to learning from others. Humility builds respect, encourages collaboration, and creates an environment where everyone’s ideas are valued

2. Win as a team, take ownership for losses.

When things are going right give credit to your team and acknowledge them. However, when things go wrong, as the saying goes “the buck stops with me [the leader]”

Have your teams back!

3. Empathy and emotional intelligence. Understanding and caring about others perspective.

Empathy allows leaders to understand and relate to the experiences of others. In legal practice, this means listening carefully to clients and colleagues and responding with understanding, not judgment. Empathy fosters stronger relationships and a positive workplace culture.

Emotional intelligence (EI) combines self-awareness, self-control, and social awareness. Leaders with high EI manage their emotions effectively and stay calm under pressure, essential skills when navigating challenging issues or tight deadlines.

4. Vision and Strategic Thinking. Having clear direction and inspiring others towards it.

A clear vision helps leaders guide others toward a shared goal. For aspiring solicitors, vision might mean having a strong sense of purpose in your legal career, understanding why you do what you do and where you want to go.

Strategic thinkers see the bigger picture and make decisions aligned with long term goals. In law, this could involve anticipating client needs or understanding how legal changes impact your area of practice.

5. Decisiveness. Making timely and confident choices

Leaders must make informed, timely decisions even when faced with uncertainty. Decisiveness builds confidence within teams and helps build momentum.