Preparation
- Establish the objective: Identify necessary leadership qualities for a project? Encourage reflection on leadership? Guide leader selection or development?
- Physical format: Flip charts, large paper, or whiteboards to record ideas. Sticky notes or index cards for individual contributions. Markers for writing and drawing.
- Flip charts, large paper, or whiteboards to record ideas.
- Sticky notes or index cards for individual contributions.
- Markers for writing and drawing.
- Digital format: Tools like Miro, MURAL, or Google Jamboard for online collaborative activities.
- Tools like Miro, MURAL, or Google Jamboard for online collaborative activities.
- What qualities define an effective leader?
- What skills are essential in a leader?
- What values or principles guide leadership?
- If in person, arrange tables or workstations in circles or designated stations.
- If virtual, set up collaborative boards to capture participant ideas.
Step-by-step instructions
Introduce the purpose
- Explain that the goal is to collectively build a profile of the "ideal leader" based on participants' perspectives and experiences.
- Present the guiding questions to structure the reflection.
Individual or group brainstorming
- Ask participants to reflect on the qualities, skills, and values they consider essential in a leader.
- Each participant writes their ideas on sticky notes or index cards.
Grouping ideas
- Gather all ideas in a shared space (e.g., flip chart, whiteboard, digital board).
- Group contributions into categories such as personal qualities, technical skills, and ethical values.
Discussion and prioritization
- Facilitate a group discussion to prioritize the most relevant or essential ideas.
- Use techniques like dot voting, open discussion, or consensus to finalize key elements.
Creating the ideal leader profile
- Visually represent the ideal leader profile using a diagram or framework:
- Personal qualities: Empathy, confidence, resilience, etc.
- Technical skills: Communication, team management, problem-solving, etc.
- Ethical values: Integrity, fairness, respect, etc.
Reflection and application
- Discuss how the ideal leader profile can guide the group or be applied in their specific context.
- Encourage participants to reflect on how they can develop these qualities in their leadership style.
Closing
- Summarize key ideas and thank participants for their contributions.
- Optional: Take a picture or save a copy of the final profile for future reference.
Materials
Practical recommendations
Encourage initial reflection
Provide examples of inspiring leaders to spark ideas.
Promote diversity
Ensure different perspectives are included when building the profile.
Document the outcome
Save the profile for future reference in activities or discussions.
Adapt to the context
Customize the activity based on the group's needs and objectives.
Inspiration
Ideas for Evaluating a Dynamic Ideal Leader Profile
- Personal qualities
- Technical skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Ethical values
- Strategic competencies
- Emotional management
- Inspiration and vision
- Cultural and social competencies
- Innovation competencies
- Emotional intelligence
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Inclusive leadership
- Effective delegation
- Relationship building





