Great crisis leaders: 10 key characteristics

Leaders who successfully manage through deep crises posses certain qualities. How do you measure up?

The global financial crisis has showcased differences in leadership styles. The styles of those charged with dealing with the global financial crisis, from the U.S. president to the finance minister of Iceland, are significantly different. Many questions come to mind: is one style better than another; what are the common characteristics held by all of them; which style seems to play better in which environment; and many more.

When observing the leadership behavior of successful crisis leaders, 10 critical characteristics emerge. Not every leader will have all of them in equal proportion; some will be stronger in one area than another. However, most leaders who are successful managing through deep crises will posses a majority of these qualities.

How do your leaders stack up?

1. Seeing things for what they are. Strong crisis leaders live on the front end of reality. They recognize events and their significance and do not shy away from the consequences of what they see. Intellectual integrity is a key component of their DNA; they think of what is best for the organization, not their own personal gain.