Interviewing 5,000 People Taught Me 5 Surprising Traits of Great Leaders
By Manny Padda, the founder of New Avenue Capital and an EO Vancouver member. He was also the winner of the EO’s 2016 Global Citizen of the Year. A version of this article appeared in Fast Company.
I’ve interviewed over 5,000 people from more than 35 countries in my career as an executive headhunter and investor. I’ve sought out CEOs, presidents, board directors and more for companies big and small, ranging from small startups to corporations with valuations in excess of US$10 billion, on every continent except Antarctica.
Along the way, working with firms in sectors like mining, technology, education and healthcare, I’ve learned that what makes a great leader varies. Contrary to popular theories, leadership isn’t about whether someone is introverted or extroverted, an idealist or a pragmatist, or even whether they have a gold-plated resumé. In fact, most of the qualities that make great leaders won’t show up on their LinkedIn profiles or a Myers-Briggs personality test.
Advancing technologies and shifting corporate trends are bringing greater transparency to your company’s inner workings and culture—and that can make building your employment brand a daunting task. If you don’t allow for consistent, engaging and sincere views on the culture and business of your organization, you may cause potential talent to turn away.
