In his leadership role as President and CEO of Cleveland Clinic Canada, Mike Kessel has encountered many different types of leaders over the years. He argues that the best leaders all share four key traits:

1. Effective leaders are notoriously hard on the issue and soft on the person.The great leaders that I have been fortunate enough to know all have incredibly high levels of emotional intelligence. They realize that in order to pave the road ahead, they must build trust and loyalty. They reward, rather than punish. They understand that mistakes happen. Their teams work toward a shared goal because they believe in the brand and are just as invested.
2. Leaders care about each and every person on their team.After all, it’s the team that matters most. Each person is unique and adds a different skill to the work environment. The leaders that Kessel admires all spend time getting to know as many people on their team as possible. They truly care.
3. Leaders will not compromise their integrity. It’s a pretty simple concept but can be tough to execute on. The great leaders Kessel has known truly believe they are doing the right thing. They have a strong set of morals and will not cross boundaries, no matter what. This may not always be easy, but it will always pay off in the end.
4. Great leaders are willing to share their knowledge. This is absolutely critical, especially in healthcare.

Learn more about emotional intelligence, building a team and other important leadership qualities in our Global Executive Education programs for healthcare leaders.

Michael Kessel is President and CEO of Cleveland Clinic Canada.