By Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP,CPAE

Diversity and inclusion Strategist & author

Think of a leader in your life who really motivated you to be the best you could be. What attributes or characteristics describe him or her? What habits did he or she have that worked for you? Over the past several years, I have asked hundreds of leaders that question. Here is a sampling of the most frequent answers. He or she:

- Was fair and respectful toward others.

- Had high personal standards.

- Believed in my abilities and potential.

- Helped me believe in myself.

- Encouraged and stretched me.

- Led by example.

- Mentored and coached.

- Asked for and appreciated different points of view.

- Listened to my ideas and others.

- Criticized objectively.

- Had integrity; was honorable.

- Helped me solve my own problems.

- Had a vision.

- Developed a trusting environment.

The specific word, diversity, was rarely used when people described their best, favorite, or most effective leader. However, fairness, respect, objectiveness, and listening recurred frequently.  Read the rest of the article here.