Defining A Good Leader

These 16 WIAMA traits are qualities of thought and action which, if demonstrated in daily activities, help Black Belt Instructors earn the respect, confidence, and loyal cooperation of students and fellow instructors. It is extremely important that you understand the meaning of each trait and how to develop it, so you know what goals to set as you work to become a good leader and a good follower.

JUSTICE - The quality of being impartial and consistent in exercising command.
JUDGMENT - The quality of weighing facts and possible solutions on which to base a sound decision.
DEPENDABILITY - The certainty of the proper performance of duty.
INITIATIVE - Seeing what has to be done and commencing a course of action, even in the absence of orders.
DECISIVENESS - The ability to reach decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear, forceful manner.
TACT - The ability to deal with others without creating offense.
INTEGRITY - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principle. Absolute truthfulness and honesty must be in place.
ENTHUSIASM - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.
ACCOUNTABILITY - The quality of being responsible for the decisions and actions of your subordinates, and your own.
BEARING - Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and personal conduct at all times.
UNSELFISHNESS - Avoidance of providing for one’s comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.
COURAGE - A mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables one to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.
KNOWLEDGE - Acquired information, including professional knowledge and understanding of those you lead.
LOYALTY - The faithfulness to Country, Family, School, Sifu, Association, Institute, Art, and to your seniors and subordinates.
ENDURANCE - The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to stand pain, fatigue, distress, and hardship.
TRUSTWORTHINESS - The quality of being able to be trusted due to your dependability, loyalty, and judgment.

JUSTICE - The quality of being impartial and consistent in exercising command.

JUDGMENT - The quality of weighing facts and possible solutions on which to base a sound decision.

DEPENDABILITY - The certainty of the proper performance of duty.

INITIATIVE - Seeing what has to be done and commencing a course of action, even in the absence of orders.

DECISIVENESS - The ability to reach decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear, forceful manner.

TACT - The ability to deal with others without creating offense.

INTEGRITY - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principle. Absolute truthfulness and honesty must be in place.

ENTHUSIASM - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.

ACCOUNTABILITY - The quality of being responsible for the decisions and actions of your subordinates, and your own.

BEARING - Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and personal conduct at all times.

UNSELFISHNESS - Avoidance of providing for one’s comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.

COURAGE - A mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables one to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.

KNOWLEDGE - Acquired information, including professional knowledge and understanding of those you lead.

LOYALTY - The faithfulness to Country, Family, School, Sifu, Association, Institute, Art, and to your seniors and subordinates.

ENDURANCE - The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to stand pain, fatigue, distress, and hardship.

TRUSTWORTHINESS - The quality of being able to be trusted due to your dependability, loyalty, and judgment.