Being a great leader is difficult. In an article for Entrepreneur, Travis Bradberry discusses twelve key habits of exceptional leaders. Follow them as tips so you can become a better leader today.

• Courage

People always follow the lead of the most courageous, those who they can trust to make difficult decisions. They need someone who will watch over the group and stick it out when times get tough. Adversity makes courageous leaders more committed -- they don’t care if the path is unsafe but if so, it will get them where they want to go.

• Communication

• Generosity

Great leaders are generous, especially with praise. They never take all the credit and inspire their employees to reach their personal best. They genuinely care about each individual.

• Humility

Great leaders are humble and down to earth. They don’t let their leadership get to their heads. They aren’t afraid of doing the dirty work and wouldn’t ask anyone to do something they themselves wouldn’t do.

• Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, which 90% of the top leaders possess in abundance. High self-awareness means knowing  strengths and weakness. Great leaders can compensate for weaknesses by honing in on the strengths.

• The Golden Rule

Treat others the way you want to be treated. But great leaders take this a step further and treat each person the way they would personally like to be treated. They can read people and adapt their leadership style.

• Passion

Passion is contagious. Everyone wants to work with a boss who’s excited and happy. Great leaders are passionate and aim to share that passion with everyone on their team.

• Infectiousness

Great leaders know how to make a great vision come alive so that their followers see it just as clearly. Having the ability to dictate and tell vivid stories will liven up an otherwise serious atmosphere.

• Authenticity

Being honest with who you are is mandatory. When you’re authentic, your words and actions align with who you say you are. You need to be transparent and forthcoming, not implying perfection but rather “walking your talk.”

• Approachability

Welcome challenges, criticism and other viewpoints. By ensuring that you are approachable, you will facilitate the flow of great discussions and seem open to new ideas.

• Accountability

Great leaders have everyone’s backs. They don’t avoid blame and they earn people’s trust through support.

• Purpose

A sense of purpose means understanding why you are going where you are going. People like to feel like they are a part of something bigger than just themselves, and great leaders have the ability to give them that feeling.