5 answers
Martasia
Student
Dublin, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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What qualities does your organization look for in future leaders”?
Understanding this will help me align my academic and professional goals with the qualities that matter most in this industry. #Fall25
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5 answers
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Before you can lead an organization, you must first learn to lead yourself properly. Organizations seek future leaders who communicate well, act responsibly, and make a meaningful impact on their team and organization. They value qualities like respect, punctuality, self-reliance, integrity, and accountability. Being curious, eager to learn, and proactive is also important.
Future leaders are good problem solvers, think creatively, and face challenges with fresh ideas and a global view. They work well with others, build trust, and inspire through actions rather than authority. Instead of acting like traditional bosses, they guide, encourage positive thinking, share knowledge, and lead by example.
You can start building these skills by focusing on yourself. Reflect on your challenges and failures, analyze how you solve problems, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Practicing self-discipline, learning from mistakes, and seeking growth opportunities will prepare you for leadership. Getting involved in your community, volunteering, joining clubs, or gaining experience through training, internships, or courses can further support your growth.
Future leaders are good problem solvers, think creatively, and face challenges with fresh ideas and a global view. They work well with others, build trust, and inspire through actions rather than authority. Instead of acting like traditional bosses, they guide, encourage positive thinking, share knowledge, and lead by example.
You can start building these skills by focusing on yourself. Reflect on your challenges and failures, analyze how you solve problems, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Practicing self-discipline, learning from mistakes, and seeking growth opportunities will prepare you for leadership. Getting involved in your community, volunteering, joining clubs, or gaining experience through training, internships, or courses can further support your growth.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Martasia. Our organization looks for a mix of character, practical skills, and long-term potential when choosing future leaders. One of the most important qualities we look for is emotional intelligence. This means being able to understand your own feelings and the feelings of others. Leaders with emotional intelligence communicate clearly, listen carefully, and show empathy. They can work well with different types of people, handle conflict calmly, and build strong, trusting relationships.
We also value a growth mindset. Our future leaders should be curious and willing to learn new things. Since our industry moves fast, we need people who stay open to change, accept feedback, and look for ways to improve. A growth mindset shows up in someone's school choices, training efforts, and their willingness to take on new or challenging tasks.
Another key quality is strategic thinking. This means being able to look beyond daily tasks and understand how decisions affect the bigger picture. Leaders who think strategically can analyze problems, consider different solutions, and plan for the future. They help the organization stay competitive by making thoughtful choices that support long-term goals.
We also place a strong emphasis on integrity and accountability. Good leaders act honestly, keep their promises, and take responsibility for their actions. When mistakes happen, they own them and learn from them. This builds trust and creates a workplace where people feel safe, respected, and motivated to do their best.
Furthermore, we look for individuals who demonstrate collaboration. Strong leaders know how to bring people together. They encourage teamwork, appreciate different viewpoints, and make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
We also value a growth mindset. Our future leaders should be curious and willing to learn new things. Since our industry moves fast, we need people who stay open to change, accept feedback, and look for ways to improve. A growth mindset shows up in someone's school choices, training efforts, and their willingness to take on new or challenging tasks.
Another key quality is strategic thinking. This means being able to look beyond daily tasks and understand how decisions affect the bigger picture. Leaders who think strategically can analyze problems, consider different solutions, and plan for the future. They help the organization stay competitive by making thoughtful choices that support long-term goals.
We also place a strong emphasis on integrity and accountability. Good leaders act honestly, keep their promises, and take responsibility for their actions. When mistakes happen, they own them and learn from them. This builds trust and creates a workplace where people feel safe, respected, and motivated to do their best.
Furthermore, we look for individuals who demonstrate collaboration. Strong leaders know how to bring people together. They encourage teamwork, appreciate different viewpoints, and make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
Kimberly Soules
Senior Manager
1
Answer
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
First off—just by asking this question, you're already on the right path. Curiosity, self-awareness, and a drive to grow are the foundation of strong leadership.
I can tell you that future leaders aren’t just the ones with the most experience or the loudest voice—they’re the ones who build their emotional intelligence (EQ), take initiative, and lead by example. That starts with stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open to learning from everyone around you.
A true leader doesn’t sit at the top pointing fingers—they’re out front clearing roadblocks for the team, listening more than talking, and stepping in when help is needed. I never ask my team to do anything I’m not willing to do myself—and more often than not, I do jump in when they need support. Leadership means trusting your people to do what they were hired to do, even knowing that mistakes will happen. That’s okay. In fact, it’s essential. The best leaders create an environment where people feel safe to fail, learn, and grow—without fear of being micromanaged.
It's important to know that leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress and reflection. You should always be mentoring others and remaining a student yourself. And oftentimes the most valuable feedback comes not from your boss, but from the people you lead. That kind of feedback should spark serious self-reflection—it’s how real leadership evolves.
Keep asking questions like this. Keep learning. If you do, you’re already becoming the kind of leader any organization would be lucky to have.
I can tell you that future leaders aren’t just the ones with the most experience or the loudest voice—they’re the ones who build their emotional intelligence (EQ), take initiative, and lead by example. That starts with stepping outside of your comfort zone and being open to learning from everyone around you.
A true leader doesn’t sit at the top pointing fingers—they’re out front clearing roadblocks for the team, listening more than talking, and stepping in when help is needed. I never ask my team to do anything I’m not willing to do myself—and more often than not, I do jump in when they need support. Leadership means trusting your people to do what they were hired to do, even knowing that mistakes will happen. That’s okay. In fact, it’s essential. The best leaders create an environment where people feel safe to fail, learn, and grow—without fear of being micromanaged.
It's important to know that leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress and reflection. You should always be mentoring others and remaining a student yourself. And oftentimes the most valuable feedback comes not from your boss, but from the people you lead. That kind of feedback should spark serious self-reflection—it’s how real leadership evolves.
Keep asking questions like this. Keep learning. If you do, you’re already becoming the kind of leader any organization would be lucky to have.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
430
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Qualities of good leaders include integrity, flexibility, communication skills (especially a good listener), and organizational skills. These are just a few that are important.
With every good wish and many blessings.
With every good wish and many blessings.
Jacob Allen, MBA
Associate Director - Specialty Sales
2
Answers
Peyton, Colorado
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
This is a forward looking question, I love it. Every company and organization within company is going to have a different set of skills/characteristics they are looking for. In my experience there are a few key factors that set future leaders up for success.
The first is being well organized. Someone who is able to handle multiple responsibilities and keep them all on track has a leg up on the competition. This is also crucial as a leader as you will be in a position to teach others how to manage their time.
The second would be someone who can drive change within their organization. You will have to handle change in your career, but being able to navigate it is a different beast. As a young leader you should be looking for ways to leverage technology and people together to enhance or elevate the change experience.
The last would be a characteristic of not being afraid to fail. When I was younger I struggled with the desire to avoid failure, often leading me to avoid situations that may have allowed me to fail (which I needed!). Failure is part of life, you learn so much from trying new things or pushing the envelope. Take calculated risk and don't allow the status quo to be the way things are done if there is a better way.
The first is being well organized. Someone who is able to handle multiple responsibilities and keep them all on track has a leg up on the competition. This is also crucial as a leader as you will be in a position to teach others how to manage their time.
The second would be someone who can drive change within their organization. You will have to handle change in your career, but being able to navigate it is a different beast. As a young leader you should be looking for ways to leverage technology and people together to enhance or elevate the change experience.
The last would be a characteristic of not being afraid to fail. When I was younger I struggled with the desire to avoid failure, often leading me to avoid situations that may have allowed me to fail (which I needed!). Failure is part of life, you learn so much from trying new things or pushing the envelope. Take calculated risk and don't allow the status quo to be the way things are done if there is a better way.