The Good, the Bad and getting Better: Identifying and Refining Leadership Qualities in the Workplace

What Are Leadership Qualities?

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what leadership qualities are. Simply put, they are traits that allow someone to guide others effectively—combining emotional awareness, strategic thinking, and clear communication.

For instance, studies on effective leaders trace back to the Michigan Leadership Studies of the 1950s, which found that relationship-oriented behaviour, rather than mere task orientation, leads to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

The Bad Leadership Qualities: What to Watch Out For

Bad leadership qualities can drain team spirit and productivity. Here are common traits that often appear in a bad leadership qualities list:

• Micromanagement: Constantly policing every detail suffocates autonomy and trust.
• Lack of empathy: Ignoring team members’ feelings or challenges breeds resentment.
• Poor communication: Vague or absent direction leads to confusion and inefficiency.
• Inconsistency: Changing expectations unpredictably undermines confidence.
• Taking credit/favouritism: When leaders claim team success or favour certain members, motivation plummets.

Recent local data reinforce how damaging poor leadership can be in real-world settings. A 2025 survey by NTUC LearningHub uncovered a striking disconnect between leadership self-perception and how employees actually feel. While over 83% of business leaders believed themselves to demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, only 50% of employees agreed, revealing a clear gap in trust and communication. Employees identified emotional intelligence (31%) as the top leadership skill most lacking, followed closely by effective communication (30%) and people development (30%).

Another study by Intellect and Milieu Insight confirms the destructive impact of poor leadership on well-being: 33% of Singapore employees cited poor leadership as one of the top three sources of workplace stress, alongside heavy workloads (33%) and tight deadlines (31%)

These behaviours don’t just harm morale—they often lead to long-term dysfunctional outcomes for both employees and organisations.
 

The Good Leadership Qualities: What Drives Success

On the other hand, the best leadership qualities create rewarding, productive workplaces:

1. Effective communication—being clear, consistent, and responsive.
2. Accountability—owning mistakes and giving recognition fairly.
3. Empathy and active listening—building trust by understanding people’s perspectives.
4. Positivity—maintaining morale through challenges.
5. Empowerment through delegation—trusting others to act and grow.

When employees experience strong leadership, it doesn’t just feel better—it measurably improves morale and performance. According to the Global Talent Barometer 2025 by ManpowerGroup, 66% of Singaporean workers report a positive overall work sentiment, yet only 55% express actual job satisfaction—and just 66% feel their managers genuinely support their career progression.

Moreover, the WorkWell Leaders Impact Measure 2025, a collaborative study by WorkWell Leaders and the National University of Singapore, surveyed over 2,400 Singapore employees and discovered that leader wellbeing is the most powerful determinant of organisational wellbeing and performance—eleven times more influential than employee stress-management programmes, and four times more effective than wellbeing apps.
 

4 Leadership Qualities to Cultivate Today

If you want actionable focus, here are 4 leadership qualities to work on immediately:

1. Empathy

   In high-pressure situations, it's essential to check in with your team members. A simple question like, "How are you managing with this workload?" can make a significant difference. Such gestures not only demonstrate care but also foster a supportive work environment. Leaders who consistently show empathy are more likely to build trust and loyalty within their teams. In Singapore's diverse workplace, where employees value psychological safety and meaningful dialogue, empathetic leadership is increasingly recognised as a key driver of team cohesion and performance.

2. Clear Communication

   Establishing clear expectations through concise written communications and regular updates is crucial. For instance, implementing brief daily check-ins can help teams stay aligned and address issues promptly. Effective communication ensures that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing productivity.

3. Accountability

   When mistakes occur, it's important to take responsibility rather than deflecting blame. Admitting errors openly can lead to constructive feedback and collaborative problem-solving. This approach not only resolves issues more efficiently but also cultivates a culture of trust and mutual respect within the team.

4. Empowerment Through Delegation

   Instead of micromanaging, empower your team members by delegating tasks with the autonomy to make decisions. Allowing individuals to take ownership of their work can lead to increased confidence and motivation. This empowerment fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages personal and professional growth among team members.

Read More: Assertive Leadership Mastery: 6 Key Skills & Training for Confident Leaders

How to Hone Your Leadership Qualities with Purpose

Here’s how to actively develop your skills:

Enrol in Leadership Workshops or Seminars Specific to Your Industry

Participating in structured leadership programmes can help professionals build lasting, evidence-based leadership capabilities. One such example is the Master of Business Administration programme, designed for mid-career professionals seeking to refine their leadership approach in fast-changing business environments.

The curriculum focuses on strategic thinking, decision-making, team management, and organisational leadership, blending theory with real-world application through case studies, group projects, and interactive discussions. Participants not only gain practical tools for leading teams more effectively but also learn to align leadership behaviour with purpose, empathy, and accountability — the very qualities that define great leaders in today’s workplace.

Ask for Regular Feedback from Peers and Team—Invite Honest Critique and Act on It

Seeking feedback is crucial for growth. Regularly ask your colleagues and team members for constructive feedback on your leadership style and effectiveness. Actively listen to their perspectives and make adjustments where necessary. This practice fosters a culture of continuous improvement and trust within your team.

Put Yourself Forward for Small Leadership Roles or Projects to Practice These Qualities in Low-Risk Settings

Take on leadership roles in smaller projects or teams to gain experience and build confidence. For example, leading a cross-departmental project can provide valuable insights into team dynamics and decision-making processes. These experiences serve as practical training grounds for honing your leadership abilities.

Study Role Models—Identify Leaders You Admire and Mimic Their Approach to Communication and Decision-Making

Observing and learning from established leaders can provide valuable lessons. Identify leaders you admire and study their communication styles, decision-making processes, and ways of handling challenges. Emulate aspects of their approach that resonate with you and align with your values.

Appreciating Leadership Qualities: A Final Reflection

Understanding, identifying, and refining leadership qualities is not a box-ticking exercise. It’s about daily behaviours that make colleagues feel seen, projects feel purposeful, and workplaces thrive.

Taking reference to those 82% of professionals affected by poor leadership—it’s a powerful reminder that the stakes are human as much as performance. Conversely, those who’ve experienced positive leadership report significantly higher morale, meaning, and empowerment at work.
 

FAQs

Leadership is a journey. The best leaders are those who constantly refine themselves and stay open to learning. Start by identifying your strengths and improving your weaknesses. With the right mindset and skills, you can become a leader who inspires trust, respect, and results.
 

1. What are the leadership qualities in students?

2. How to develop leadership qualities in students?

3. What are the educational leadership qualities?