Qualities of a Strong Leader

On Friday, May 6, 2011, I had the tremendous opportunity to share my insights and personal experience with the attendees at the National Hispana Leadership Institute’s Latina Empowerment Conference Series in Chicago. One of the common themes of the day was leadership.  What does it take to be a leader and what qualities do these leaders possess?

Among the great speakers and panelists, was our very own Marlene Gonzalez, a key contributor and leader of our Mujeres de HACE program; Cristina Benitez, a previous HACE board member; Martha Diaz, a graduate of our Mujeres de HACE program; and Ana Maria Soto, who provided her leadership and support to Mujeres de HACE.  I have to say that it made me very proud to see all of these Latina leaders whose lives intersect with what we do at HACE.  Amazing!

During the panel discussion, one of the questions I was asked is, “What are some of the leadership qualities that you think make for a strong leader?"  Of course, we were given the questions ahead of time, so I had some time to reflect on what it was that I wanted to say to a group of talented Latinas.  I chose to reflect on my personal experience and my observations of those individuals we typically perceive to be strong leaders.  I touched on three common qualities that I notice in a strong leader.

For one, strong leaders are passionate.  A great leader is absolutely enthusiastic about what he or she does and as a result, he or she wants to learn everything on that area of passion.  Eventually, they will become recognized as an expert in the area.  Genuine passion leads to great work and positive results. I recognized early on as a high school student that I was very passionate about advancing and supporting my community and peers in their personal lives and with their educational and career aspirations.  This line of service is exactly what is reflected in my past work and in what I do professionally today!

Secondly, strong leaders sponsor others.  Many great leaders recommend others for positions and opportunities.  There were several instances in which I would designate someone to sit on a committee or lead an organization because I knew they would be great.  I once told a student, “You are going to be the president of the Student Organization of Latinos on campus.”  This student accepted.  With a bit of guidance and support, before we knew it, she was taking everyone by storm and the organization was the most successful and active one on campus.  All it took was for someone to believe in her.

Lastly, strong leaders uphold and exert an authentic personal brand.  As part of one of the fastest growing groups in the United States, Latinas must differentiate their own skills and abilities to stand out in their own way.  For the most part, most Latinas are passionate, bicultural, bilingual, and above all, loyal.  While these are all great qualities, it is the strong leader that goes beyond these common attributes.  Think about what differentiates you from others in terms of personal experience, background, passion and areas of expertise.  Know what these unique skills and qualities are and remain true to them in everything you do.

What are your thoughts?  In your opinion, what characteristics do strong leaders possess?

--Patrica Mota, HACE's Director of Membership Outreach