Leadership isn’t always about loud declarations and bold gestures.

Sometimes, it’s the quiet confidence and subtle behaviors that truly set a natural leader apart.

In particular, women often lead in ways that may not be immediately recognized as leadership.

I believe there are certain subtle behaviors that can reveal the underlying personality of a natural leader.

And guess what?

There are 8 specific behaviours that you should look out for. If a woman exhibits these, trust me, she’s got the makings of a true, natural leader.

So, let’s delve deeper into this fascinating topic and uncover these subtle signs of leadership.

1) She’s a listener first

One of the most glaring signs of a natural leader lies not in how much she says, but in how much she listens.

True leaders know the value of keeping their ears open.

They understand that every individual has something unique to offer, some insight or perspective that could be the game changer.

So, they listen more than they speak. They are not quick to react but take their time to understand and then respond.

This subtle behavior often goes unnoticed in a world where everyone is trying to be heard.

But let me tell you, the ability to listen intently and understand deeply is the hallmark of a genuine leader.

So, when you see a woman who listens more than she talks, know that you are in the presence of potential leadership greatness.

And trust me, this subtle behavior speaks louder than any grand speech ever could.

2) She’s not afraid of failure

Personally, I’ve observed that natural leaders, particularly women, have this unique trait of not fearing failure.

Let me tell you about a friend of mine, Sarah. She’s the epitome of a natural leader.

Sarah started her own business a few years back.

Things were going well initially, but like any startup, she hit a rough patch. The business was struggling, the stress was mounting, and failure seemed imminent.

But instead of cowering or giving up, Sarah embraced the failure.

She didn’t see it as the end, but rather as an opportunity to learn and improve. She regrouped, reassessed her business plan, and found new ways to make it work.

Today, her business is thriving more than ever. And all because she didn’t let the fear of failure get in her way.

That’s a trait you’ll find in every woman who is a natural leader.

They don’t fear failure; they see it as an opportunity. And trust me, it’s one of the most empowering attitudes to have.

3) She empowers others

A natural leader isn’t just about leading the way. They are about helping others find their own path, too.

This is especially true for women leaders.

Research from the Harvard Business Review reveals that women tend to score higher than men in most leadership dimensions, including the ability to inspire and motivate others.

This is not surprising when you consider that women leaders often focus on enhancing the skills and capabilities of their team members.

And this isn’t just about professional development.

A woman with natural leadership capabilities will uplift others in personal aspects too, encouraging them to grow, learn and achieve their personal best. She leads by example, by showing that she believes in her team’s abilities and potential.

So, if you see a woman who is constantly helping others to shine, you can bet that she has the personality of a natural leader.

4) She is resilient

In the face of adversity, a natural leader remains steady. This resilience is particularly noteworthy among women leaders.

Life throws curveballs at all of us.

But how we respond to these challenges defines our leadership abilities. A woman with the personality of a natural leader doesn’t crumble under pressure or buckle under stress.

Instead, she stays resilient, adapting to change and bouncing back from setbacks.

This resilience often manifests in her ability to stay optimistic and maintain a positive outlook, even in the darkest of times.

She knows that challenges are temporary, and with perseverance and determination, she can overcome them.

5) She exhibits compassion

Leadership isn’t just about being strong, assertive, and resilient. It’s also about having a heart, about showing compassion.

A woman with the personality of a natural leader understands this. She knows that to lead is to care.

She isn’t just invested in the success of a project or the growth of an organization. She’s invested in people, in their happiness and well-being.

She empathizes with others and is always ready to extend a helping hand. Her compassion isn’t a sign of weakness but a reflection of her strength.

It’s what makes her approachable and trustworthy.

6) She’s got a strong sense of integrity

Integrity is the bedrock of leadership. It’s about doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. It’s about being honest and transparent, even when it’s hard.

I remember a situation where I had to make a tough decision.

It was easier to turn a blind eye, but that would have compromised my integrity.

So, I chose the harder path. I faced the situation head-on, regardless of the consequences. It wasn’t easy, but it was the right thing to do.

A woman with natural leadership tendencies will always act with integrity.

She places immense value on her principles and stays true to them, no matter what.

So, if you see a woman who walks her talk, who stands by her values and principles despite the odds, you’re looking at a leader in the making.

Because true leadership is about integrity, and a leader without integrity is like a ship without a rudder.

7) She’s a visionary

A woman with the personality of a natural leader doesn’t just focus on the here and now. She has an eye on the horizon, a vision for the future.

She’s always thinking ahead, planning, strategizing, and innovating.

She isn’t content with maintaining the status quo. Instead, she challenges it, pushes boundaries, and paves the way for progress.

This forward-thinking approach is what sets her apart. It’s what inspires those around her and drives them towards shared goals.

So if you come across a woman who’s always one step ahead, who sees opportunities where others see obstacles, know that you’ve encountered a natural leader.

Because true leadership is about seeing the bigger picture and guiding others towards it.

8) She’s confident in her own skin

Above all else, a woman with the personality of a natural leader is comfortable being herself. She doesn’t feel the need to conform or to fit into predefined molds.

She’s confident in her abilities, her decisions, and her path. She knows that she has the potential to lead and isn’t afraid to step up and take charge.

Her confidence isn’t arrogance though. It’s a strong sense of self-belief, tempered with humility and understanding.

It’s knowing that she can lead, but also knowing that she still has much to learn.

This confidence is what makes people trust and follow her. So if you see a woman who radiates self-assuredness and authenticity, you’ve found a natural leader.

Final thoughts

The essence of leadership goes beyond the surface, beyond what we typically associate with those in power. It’s not just about being at the front, calling the shots, or having a commanding presence.

In fact, the most impactful leaders often lead from behind. They’re there, subtly guiding and influencing, letting others take the limelight while they quietly ensure everyone’s success.

True leadership comes from within. It’s a mindset, a way of being that draws people in. And as we’ve discovered, it often shows up in behaviors that are easy to overlook.

So whether you’re aspiring to lead or looking for leaders to follow, keep an eye out for these subtle signs. Because leadership is everywhere – you just need to look closely.