A recent article from Inc.com,“6 Things Exceptional Leaders Do Better” discusses the differences between a great leader and an exceptional leader. Writer Peter Gaska surmises that the same basic leadership skills are traits that all great leaders possess, but the leaders that stand out amongst the great are the ones that are able to execute these skills more effectively. Here are six skills that all great leaders possess, and how the exceptional ones are able to perform them better:

1. Great leaders are exceptional communicators and orators. Exceptional leaders are better at knowing when to shut it and listen. The ability to motivate and influence others is a vital leadership skill, but the best leaders are the ones that know that it’s better to ask more questions than they answer, and they know the right questions to ask.
2. Great leaders are exceptionally idealistic vision setters. Exceptional leaders are better at admitting when they are wrong. Great leaders are full of game-changing ideas, but exceptional leaders know when to accept that an endeavor has failed, cut their losses, and live to fight another day.
3. Great leaders are exceptionally organized and analytical. Exceptional leaders are better at delegating. It’s important for all leaders to have great organization skill and be able to analyze complex business situations. But the extraordinary leaders are able to make themselves better by surrounding themselves with exceptional talent, delegating tasks effectively, and therefore freeing themselves to focus 100 percent on the tasks that only they are suited to perform.
4. Great leaders are exceptional problem identifiers. Exceptional leaders are better problem solvers. The crème of the crop are able to quickly analyze a problem, identify the root cause and choose a solution, whereas others might just look at the issue at surface level.
5. Great leaders are exceptionally confident decision makers. Exceptional leaders are better at dishing credit. Along with their willingness to delegate and listen to the opinions of subordinates, exceptional leaders know that it’s best to involve others in the decision-making process and let them take the credit whenever possible.
6. Great leaders are exceptionally smart. Exceptional leaders are better at not being stupid. Being smart is helpful, but it’s most important to avoid doing something really stupid. This can refer to business decisions or, perhaps even more importantly, personal choices that can have a profound impact on a company.

Click here to read the article from Inc.com.