Leadership is something that is not generally associated with risk specifically however it is actually the most important skill for any senior leader, and risk management is but just a single arrow in a quiver of many arrows.

So, when it comes to talking about the innovation of risk, what goes hand in hand with this is the leadership traits of the manager.  For some time now we have been collating some of the things we see as being critical for the success of any senior executive and senior leader in an organisation.  And what better way to display it than in an infographic.  This is another infographic from the Riskographic design team, who we proudly utilise for all our infographics.

What do you consider are the most important things for a leader?  Does it begin with their leadership style?  Or perhaps it is the type of power they yield?  What do you think are the critical skills of a leader?

For us it comes down to the following critical skills:

• An understanding of business process design and controls;
• An understanding of risk;
• An understanding of technology;
• A focus on people;
• Understanding and focus on financials (or the numbers); and
• A vision and/or strategy for the future.

But what makes a leader stand out who has these skills?

For us it is their communication style, and here we consider there to be 4 key styles:

• Passive;
• Passive  – Aggressive;
• Aggressive; and
• Assertive.

Which one are you most?  Which one do you aspire to be?

Bring together the right leadership style, the right use of power, the right skills and the right communication style and you could be that truly inspirational leader.

Well worth the read and consideration.

Cheers