Take a Compliment: Positive Words to Describe a Leader

Some said that he was ambitious and might want to run for statewide office someday. Just Mercy

Being an astute politician, Galileo then presented the telescope to the Doge as a gift. The Scientists

Tallmadge, a bold and dashing officer, would run what today would be called a department of military intelligence. George Washington, Spymaster

I knew Horatio to be steadfast and incorruptible, the unmoving center of a world that turned unpredictably. Ophelia

It was like they were all trying to be brave, all trying to prove that they weren’t worried about what was going to happen next. The Strangers

Malcolm was a charismatic leader, tall and lean, articulate, good-looking, possessing obvious physical courage, a warm and ready sense of humor, and immense faith in his mission. The Best of Enemies

“They are courageous, bold, caring, and they think and act outside of the box in very brave ways.” New York Times (Jul 6, 2018)

Charles did his best to help the book along, as any dedicated author will. Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith

She was determined and deliberate in everything she did, and that quality attracted people to her. Counting by 7s

I tried to be diplomatic, but mostly I just lied a lot. Twilight

He or she is a deep thinker, canny like a fox, inspirational, and in many cases the toughest person in the boat. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

In the classroom, Bishop addressed her students by surname—Miss Agoos, Mr. Sorensen—and tried to be tactful, believing that “the more polite the teacher, the more polite the students.” The New Yorker (Oct 27, 2016)

There was happiness in his father’s heart because of his son who was intelligent and thirsty for knowledge; he saw him growing up to be a great learned man, a priest, a prince among Brahmins. Siddhartha

Your daughter’s grades may seem like a motivation issue, given her indifference to homework, but the kid you describe is highly motivated — to help and to lead. Washington Post (Dec 6, 2017)

The American forest never produced a man more shrewd, politic, and ambitious. Parkman, Francis

He is, comparatively, pragmatic — attuned to his own limitations, mindful of the shifting pecking orders in hip-hop and fashion, interested in coexistence rather than conflict. New York Times (Jun 25, 2018)

As prudent and thorough as old family doctors, they examined every aspect of the air flowing over the plane, making careful note of the vital signs. Hidden Figures

Gerhard is so reasonable, so predictable, so resolute, always doing the right thing, obeying the law, even when he doesn't agree with it. The Boy Who Dared

“I am a wild beast, my friend: untamed and undaunted.” The One and Only Ivan

Here we find the words Homer applies to Ulysses, the same descriptions applied to the hero of the Odyssey: sagacious, cunning, astute, shrewd, artful, crafty, deceitful, tricky. The Guardian (Nov 26, 2020)

And Vincent, now almost twenty, enthusiastically takes on the role of sage older brother and mentor. Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers

Cleopatra was a shrewd, capable, and experienced leader. Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen

But Azareen was staunch on their behalf, and argued that they needed to be ready for anything that happened. Strange the Dreamer

Father thought the king’s knights weren’t aggressive enough; the earl believed them to be valiant and praiseworthy. Ella Enchanted

He was the oldest Pandava brother, and was known for being noble and just and wise. Aru Shah and the End of Time