Isn’t it amazing how we can tell when a true leader walks into a room?

• They command attention.
• They possess a certain aura that makes them stand out.
• They have influence and are wonderful communicators.
• Everyone loves them because of their charisma and their strong display of power.

But it’s not only power that makes a leader great, because power can only go so far. Here are six distinct qualities that I believe all great leaders have that makes the organizations they lead exemplary ones.

1. Great leaders have vision.

A leader is a visionary. They can see the big picture long before anyone else can and will move companies along that path strategically. It is said that without vision, the people perish. Companies can’t run successfully on their own. It takes vision and a great leader to carry it effectively. Many people feel that at the end of the day, it’s all about the bottom line. But it’s how you get to that bottom line that is important, and it’s predicated on a strong visionary.

2. Great leaders pave the way for others to succeed.

Strong morale is the by-product of organizations that possess a leader with charisma. Everyone wants to do their job and do it well when they feel they are appreciated. Great leaders reward those who go above and beyond and push the envelope of potential in everyone. They are fair and forthright in delegating tasks to others, making sure apprentices understand their assignments thoroughly, thus allowing them to soar. They don’t mind promoting those they have mentored because they don’t feel threatened by those who follow them. They are willing to raise up others like them, to make their own work easier by giving others the responsibility for the task at hand.

3. Great leaders walk in integrity.

Because the demands are great for these leaders, they have no time for games or to say something and not mean it. Great leaders walk the walk and talk the talk. They expect those around them to do the same in order to be on their team. Integrity is their middle name and they thrive in their roles because others gravitate towards doing business with them, knowing full well that anyone privileged to work with them will benefit from a strong, honest partnership that upholds the highest level of loyalty and solidarity.

4. Great leaders create a sense of purpose to their work.

When you know the reasons for doing what you do, it makes doing that work easy and fun. Many employees want a fun environment to work in, and when they know their work has meaning, an increase in productivity occurs. But not only does the quantity of the work go up, but the quality of it does too. Great leaders add purpose to the workplace.

5. Great leaders are confident.

Great leaders are quick decision-makers and problem solvers. They are confident in their ability to think critically and make sound decisions. Even if the end result lands the company in a bind, they own up to the decision and fix whatever discrepancy has been made to turn the company around. This comes with being assured of themselves and using wise judgment in all of their affairs.

6. Great leaders are servant-leaders.

Above all else, great leaders are humble enough to get down in the trenches with other employees and do the work it takes to meet the demands of the company’s consumers. It’s not all about being demanding. If someone is out, they take up the slack. They make sure if no one else does it, they will do so gladly. They are not too high to do manual labor and actually love to work alongside others. It’s a great teaching tool to lead by example.