Is compassionate listening the secret to effective leadership?

The character traits of exceptional leaders have been analysed, critiqued and extolled by many for centuries, even millennia. Think Julius Caesar, Hannibal, Bonaparte, Ghandi, Churchill, JFK.

What are those traits and have the evaluating 'experts' got it right?  Certainly, being a visionary, communicating effectively, taking accountability and empowering team members are important - if not essential.  However, the effectiveness of your work will never rise above your ability to lead and influence others.

People don't want to be managed. They want to be led.

In the words of Midja Fisher, a recognised expert in developing legal leaders, and a former partner in an ASX listed national law firm,