Jerome Schofield cc insurance brokers (JSib) are leading insurance brokers in Durban. Although the brokerage is a small business in Hillcrest, Durban, it competes with larger insurance companies and gives international brokerages a run for their money.

I’ve had the privilege of sharing an office with Jerome Schofield himself. I hear the calls he answers, I see the people he meets and a decent amount of these calls and a decent amount of the people coming to meet him are other brokers seeking advice. It amazes me that Jerome Schofield cc insurance brokers is the brokerage advising other brokerages. I’m amazed, because it’s highly unlikely for a competitor to help those it competes with. One must either be very stupid or very secure and confident to guide their competitors to greener pastures.

Since I realised that JSib is led by a renowned broker of ethical influence, I’ve been on a journey to discover what makes Jerome Schofield the leader he is. I’ve been trying to discover what traits one needs to be a good leader. By simply listening and observing JSib’s CEO and insurance leader, I have my answers.

Here are 3 traits of a good leader. We’ll have a guest speaker sharing the other 5 next week.

1. Character

The first test of any true leader is how they lead themselves, and how they respect themselves. Naturally, people are drawn to those who hold themselves (and others) with high esteem. Those who know their worth can do any job or choose any career, and they’ll be successful (of course with hard work and determination), because it’s not merely skill and experience that promotes them. It’s character. It’s inwardly and humbly knowing that they are worthy enough for promotion. Character is what earns higher places of influence. Before one can lead and influence anyone else, one must first be able to lead themselves, and before one can truly respect others, they must first respect themselves.

2. Knowledge

Some say knowledge is power. I say knowledge is credibility too. While knowledge does help leaders make better decisions by understanding facts, keeping up to date on political, industrial, workplace and global changes, it also builds trust with followers. Being a leader with knowledge and understanding is being a leader who leads with wisdom.

3. Relationships

Relationships are influence. How can anyone influence positively if they lack solid relationships? Growing your friendship groups can have a massive impact on you in the future. It doesn’t mean that introverts can’t be leaders because they enjoy their own company as much, if not more than the companies of others. There are plenty of great leaders who were introverts, and shook the world with power when they spoke. As introverted as Rosa Parks was, she didn’t lack friends and family. Through quietness, she learnt to speak louder than many through her posture and attitude. Eleanor Roosevelt is another good example.

In today’s fast and technological world, it’s so easy to reach out to people from different cultures and traditions. It’s extremely easy to cross the border and build authentic relationships, but doing so takes time and sincerity. This time and sincerity is often overlooked, but it’s incredibly worthwhile. Strong relationships, meaningful relationships are roots for any leader.