A strong leadership is about influence, clarity, and the ability to inspire results. Women are consistently proving to be powerful leaders, not in spite of their unique differences and what a classical patriarchal viewpoint would call weaknesses, but because of them. Let’s explore what traits have strong relations with leadership, the seven leadership qualities of great leaders, and how to identify leadership potential—especially in women.
Leadership competencies women naturally bring to the table
Ticking off boxes on a skills list feels good and makes you feel important, but it is not what leadership competency is about. It’s the blend of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and interpersonal ability that allows someone to lead effectively. Many women naturally excel in key leadership areas and sometimes perform better than their male counterparts.
Communication, empathy, adaptability
Communication, empathy and adaptability are the most important of the “7 qualities of great leaders”. What are the 7 leadership qualities of great leaders? The list is simple: accountability, adaptability, confidence, creativity, empathy, integrity, stability.
So what is leadership competency? Firstly, strong leaders are great communicators. They know how to listen, clarify, and inspire. Women often bring high emotional intelligence to their roles, which fuels open, effective communication across teams.
Empathy—sometimes dismissed as “soft”—is another leadership superpower. It allows leaders to connect with their teams, build trust, and respond to challenges with a human-first approach. In times of stress or change, empathy is what keeps teams grounded and motivated.
Adaptability is equally as necessary. Women often manage multiple roles and expectations from a very young age, which builds a natural ability to pivot, problem-solve, and thrive under pressure. In fast-paced environments, flexibility is essential. And most leadership roles are fast paced.
The underrated power of collaboration
While traditional leadership was mostly top-down, today’s successful leaders know the importance of collaboration. Women tend to excel in inclusive leadership styles, where teamwork and shared success matter more than personal ego.
Collaboration drives innovation, it encourages fresh thinking and diverse input. Women leaders often build stronger, more connected teams because they tend to focus on relationships, not just results. This strength in collaboration is tied to real performance outcomes, not just morale. Diverse, collaborative teams often outperform more siloed, individualistic ones. And that’s a win for everyone.
How to recognise and nurture leadership potential in women
Too often, potential leaders go unnoticed because they don’t fit the typical leadership mold. But recognizing and supporting emerging women leaders is very beneficial for long-term success—at every level.
Spotting emerging leaders early
Leadership potential isn’t always loud. It can show up in the quiet problem-solver, the consistent performer, the team member who lifts others up. To spot great female leaders early, look for women who take initiative, stay calm under pressure, and show curiosity about the bigger picture. Also pay attention to those who naturally influence others—not with authority, but with respect and trust. These are often the ones already leading informally. Give them space to grow by offering stretch assignments, visibility in meetings, or leadership roles in small projects.
Why mentorship is key to their development
Even the most talented leaders need a strong foundation to start, to build upon. Almost nobody becomes a great leader without proper mentoring. Give you female leaders guidance, support their confidence, and thus offer them a clearer path to their leadership potential. A good mentor doesn’t just give advice—they help unlock potential. They open doors, share lessons from experience, and encourage mentees to speak up and step forward. Organizations that invest in formal mentorship programs, especially for women and underrepresented groups, build stronger leadership pipelines. Into only for the sake of equity—it’s smart business strategy.
