In an era when companies are understandably more focused on survival than business growth, the need for passionate and inspired leadership is greater than ever before.

Accountants BDO have reported that they expect 21,600 insolvencies in the UK this year – that´s around 60 every day. The Office for National Statistics says that unemployment is up to around 2.5 million. And numerous high-level economists are predicting the increased possibility of a double-dip recession. With this sort of depressing news it´s not surprising that investing in business growth is quite far down on the “To Do” lists of many business owners. But if your company is going to emerge from this recession stronger and more profitable than before, you´re going to need to invest in your leaders because they are the ones who will drive your business growth forward.

But what is it that makes a good leader who can single-handedly give your business growth plans a nudge in the right direction?

What is it about them that commands respect from all those they work with, enables them to consistently make the right decisions, and to almost instinctively know which way to steer their team? From analysing the traits of numerous such exceptional leaders we have identified a few fundamental characteristics they have in common. When found together in a single person they give that individual a competitive edge when it comes to hitting targets, progressing through the ranks, and helping to ensure your business growth goals are achieved.

1. Passion

Whether it´s passion for power, money, respect or position, this is the single most important characteristic of a good leader. Passion drives a person forward against all the odds, it will make someone work long hours for little or no reward, it will push someone to be the best they can be and be an inspiration to those around them. Passion cannot be taught, it is either inside you or it isn´t. It can, however, be guided and focused on the most appropriate goals and you can be coached in how to unleash your passion in a considered fashion to achieve the best results. Business growth cannot be achieved by flying off in lots of different directions at once because effort does not always translate into success.

Passion can make or break an individual. It can blind you to your weaknesses, it can force you to cut corners, and it can alienate you from others. But when passion is focused on the right goals it can be an unstoppable force, an inspirational trait, and the means by which the impossible is brought within your grasp. If your business growth depends on the leadership of your managers, then you´d better make sure they have the passion to back up their rhetoric.

2. Vision

It is so important for a leader to have goals, targets to shoot for, and it is this vision of where they are headed that drives them forward every day. Whether that vision is to achieve team financial goals or to contribute toward a wider business growth is less important than having the vision in the first place.

The crystal clear vision of a leader can easily be transferred to their team, instilling a sense of urgency and focused energy to push them further. A good leader should guide their team through action and example, inspiring confidence, unity and direction.

3. Courage

Business growth, whether from the launch of a venture or once it has achieved an established status, can often only come from taking risks. Good leaders are often mavericks – comfortable with uncharted waters, with breaking the odd rule or two to achieve their goals, and with challenging accepted beliefs if they can prove there is a better way.

A good leader must have the courage to follow their own convictions. This can mean pushing forward with new and innovative solutions that won´t always result in success, but it´s the courage to take calculated risks that separates the irresponsible from the courageous.

4: Consistency

A team can only function when its leader offers them reliable stability. A poor leader will be likely to change their minds on a regular basis, simply follow directions from higher up the chain of command without challenging inconsistencies, and lack the vision that provides more inspired leaders with a clear path to follow.

A better leader offers their team not only guidance but responsibility and the time to achieve their set goals rather than simply moving the posts whenever they feel like it. The team need to know that their leader´s mood, style and orders will all be consistent.

Inconsistency breeds confusion, unease and ultimately poor productivity – none of which are conducive to business growth.

5. Clarity

There is no place for ambiguity in good leadership. A team must understand with crystal clarity precisely what is expected of them if they are to achieve their targets and work together toward a common goal. A leader´s communication skills, both written and spoken, must be excellent for them to get the best from those who work for them.

A good leader will not only be able to express themselves clearly, but they also need to clearly understand what is expected of them. You can´t have your key management veering off track because of a misunderstanding.

Perhaps you´re struggling to get the best from your management, or feel that your excellent senior staff could up their game even further with the help of some leadership coaching – everyone could do with a refresher course once in a while to remind them of the vital importance of their role in your company.

Achieving business growth has never been more difficult than in today´s marketplace but, no matter how radically different or staunchly steadfast your thinking needs to be to pull your business through, you´ll need the help of your best people behind you all the way.