Thursday, June 11, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Julia Brickman lists the top 5 personality traits required for modern leaders

WhatsApp Image 2021-08-07 at 8.50.58 AM

 

Living in society is like living inside a complex kaleidoscope few can make sense of like Julia Brickman. But as complex as we are, we can also be easily characterized into two categories — leaders and followers.

Everyone wants to be a leader, but only a few make it. So what is it about leaders that makes them stand out?

The design thinker and founder of Skipper, Julia Brickman, has a shrewd eye for people and personality types. Having received certification in EQ and MBTI Personality Gauges, she can easily identify personality patterns. With her comprehensive understanding of people, she can answer the question on our minds: what is required to be a modern-day leader? Here are the top five traits that she believes in.

1. Sensitivity: A leader understands and builds together. Those who are sensitive towards people are better liked and can foster trust.

2. Focus and a clear mind: Leaders might not know their final destination, but they are focused on their short-term goals. They do everything with confidence and calculations, with an eye on the road ahead.

3. A positive go-getter attitude: Modern-day leaders are not afraid of failure. They trust the journey and always charge ahead with spirit, regardless of hurdles.

4. Collaborative spirit: A leader knows they can’t win alone. Those with a strong spirit of teamwork and collaboration can inspire and thus lead everyone to a better future.

5. Good communication skills: Clear, sensitive, and effective communication is key to engaging people. A leader knows what to say and how to say it.

Leaders aren’t born; they are made. They respond to the call of time and rise to the occasion. All of us have the potential, and with the guidance, motivation, and expertise of people like Julia Brickman, everyone can become modern-day leaders.