There are many schools of thought regarding leadership. An online search for the best and top leadership styles leadership qualities will produce article pages. And here's another one, right? Not enough. This article will not tell you how to be a great leader; it will tell you whether or not you have what it takes to lead effectively.

As a former military intelligence officer and DoD-certified investigator, I had to lead a team of investigators in a highly chaotic, stressful, and physically and mentally demanding environment. So I had to deal with my stress effectively to be able to lead my team so that they felt confident and successful. Since then, I have discovered that if you embody certain qualities, you are destined for leadership because people will i want to follow you — even in the most difficult and difficult situations. Here are six things that will tell you that you are ready to lead!

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1. You know your personality

When you understand your personality traits, how resilient you are when times get tough, your priorities and goals when communicating with others, how you approach deadlines and organize schedules, and the criteria most important to you when making a decision, then you have awareness one must be a leader.

Awareness of personality traits naturally leads to increased understanding and empathy when working with people who possess different features than us. Instead of being unable to understand the actions of others, we can analyze them and relate them to their inherent personality preferences. This ability can prevent natural drives toward the unknown from judging, blaming, or taking things personally.

For example, when I understand that you prefer to complete projects ahead of schedule by following a prioritized task checklist and expect me to do the same, I won't immediately label you a micromanager. You won't label me lazy when you realize that I'm comfortable multitasking and being more flexible with deadlines and schedules when managing a project.

2. You know that people handle change differently

Knowing about personality preferences is essential, but it's also essential to be aware of how people prefer to handle change. Change is an event, but the way change affects people is based on their personality traits. Some people embrace change so much that they want it to be fast and sweeping. However, they tend to have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks. Others have a negative reaction to change. They respect tradition and enjoy predictability. If they must accept change, they prefer it to be small and incremental. Between these two styles of change is another style where people approach change cautiously, investigating all options to ensure the change is functional.

So there are three styles of change and the workplace needs all three to function successfully. However, if you have not been aware of these change styles, you may have judged or labeled those who have a different attitude toward change as inflexible, indecisive, or impulsive. When we understand the three styles of change, we can communicate change better and successfully lead others through it.

3. You can make decisions on time and with conviction

When it comes to DECISION, I'm not saying you have to know everything – you won't – or that you have to be right all the time – you won't. However, you need to make decisions at the right time and with conviction, otherwise you will make your followers nervous and possibly lose their trust. Does this describe you?

• You seek consensus and get buy-in when appropriate and necessary.

• You know how to communicate your decision clearly.

• You don't wait until it's too late to decide.

• You stand your ground and take responsibility for your choice.

If so, these behaviors will gain the trust of your followers.

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4. Be careful with your words

Before you speak, take a few seconds to review what you are going to say. Control the tone of your voice and yours body language. If it's a high-stakes conversation, plan it, write it down, and practice it. Before you say anything, ask yourself how you would feel if you received the same message. Ask yourself, what can you change to ensure your message is clear, concise and non-accusatory?

5. You can create a safe environment

Answer these questions: Are people comfortable around you? Are they comfortable speaking in front of you and giving you feedback? Do you model consistent, effective behavior that make people feel safe? Do people trust you?

As a leader, you are being watched and controlled every day, even on your bad days. So check in with yourself every morning to make sure you have a positive mindset and demonstrate consistent, productive behavior. You will make a great leader if:

• Listen objectively

• They are calm and safe

• Appreciate what people are saying

• Respect the differences of others

• Seek to improve and learn

• ARE responsible and hold others accountable

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6. You are resilient

Everyone has experienced negative situations, such as making the wrong choices, reacting to someone's words or actions with negative emotions, or wallowing in self-sabotaging thoughts. When you can step back from these situations with a positive mindset and be productive, you are exercising ENDURANCE. Not only will you feel better, but the people around you will also feel more comfortable. When people feel comfortable around you, they will trust you and follow you. If you are naturally resilient, you are definitely ready to lead!

Don't be discouraged if you read this article and thought, “I need to work on this!” This level of awareness is exactly what you need and what will help you improve these skills to be a effective leader.