Based on the readings from the course text , please identify the leadership traits , skills , and behaviors that you consider the most important in leading and motivating subordinates Examine specifically why you selected the traits , skills and behaviors in relation to employee motivation According to our class text motivation can be defined as " an inner drive that directs behavior toward goals ." (Bierman , Ferrell & Ferrell 2016 ) Motivation in a business setting is important because it can help employees satisfy their needs in ways that will benefit both the individual and the organization . Motivation by a manager or employer can actually create employee loyalty and boost the productivity of the employees Since motivation is so important , the officer leader or manager must possess leadership traits , skills , and behaviors that will motivate e their subordinates . According to an article written by Murray Newlands , there are seven leadership characteristics that a leader can have to motivate their subordinates The first characteristic is that they have to express unerring positivity . In order to motivate any employee a leader must be able to see the bright side of any issue that is thrown at them . If the organization had a leader that sit and dwell in doom and gloom of a situation t the organization would not accomplish nothing . Being positive and seeing the bright side of the situation when the organization is facing challenges a and failures will motivate their employees the same . The second characteristic is that they have to be grateful to their team . "Nothing drains commitment from a team like feeling their efforts go unnoticed ."( Newlands 2015 ) Being grateful to the employees allows them to know that you appreciate all their hard work in the company . Showing small gestures of gratitude can products results such as lower turnover and higher output in productivity . The third characteristic is that they have to have a crystal clear vision for the future . Through words , actions and beliefs , when a leader knows precisely what they are striving to achieve it will be easy to motivate the employees to work towards that goal as well . The fourth characteristic is that they have to listen . "Hearing is not the same as listening Inspirational leaders truly listen to what is said to them and respond appropriately , instead of letting it go in one ear and out the other ."( Newlands 2015 ) Employees will be likely motivated to work when they know they are being heard , whether it be a concern or idea . The fifth characteristic is that they have to communicate impeccably . Sometimes communication can be flawed and misunderstanding can be the end result . A leader that take the right amount of time with each communication ensures that everyone is on board and moving forward can motivate employees s to work and keep working hard . The sixth characteristic is that they have to be trustworthy . Employees will be "likely to jump ship when a leader's top priority is success , even at the cost of the team's well -being ."( Newlands 2015 ) When leader take pride in their leadership by being truthful and having integrity employees will be more likely be motivated to do the work at hand . The last characteristic is that they have to be passionate . Employees will not be