Regardless of the type of business you're running or even the industry that you're operating in, to say that strong female leaders are important is something of an understatement. In truth, they're essential - not only for providing a much-needed perspective on the direction that a business is taking, but also in terms of the types of qualities that they bring to the table that you're unlikely to find anywhere else.

Speaking of those characteristics, there are 10 key traits of strong female leaders in particular that you'll definitely want to know more about. Recognizing what they are and why they matter is the key to successfully developing these characteristics in your employees and yourself.

Strong Female Leaders Find Opportunities for Improvement

Whether it involves seeking advice from a trusted individual or a group of their peers, strong female leaders continue to seek input from others. They recognize that there are things they could be doing better and tirelessly work to meet those goals.

Strong Female Leaders Keep an Open Mind

Women in leadership positions aren’t afraid to see a situation from a variety of angles. They tend to attempt to understand a situation as organically as possible by asking the right questions at the right time, rather than bend a situation to their own will.

Women Leaders Tend to Approach Things from Both the Large and Small Perspectives

One of the most invaluable traits that female leaders bring to the table is their sense of awareness. They typically try to look at the bigger picture first, but then break a situation down into the finer details to see what is really going on underneath.

Female Leaders are Mindful

In today's constantly connected culture, the importance of this cannot be overstated enough. Strong female leaders often meditate or practice the art of mindfulness on a regular basis to generate much needed moments of introspection.

Strong Female Leaders Take Responsibility

Whether something is going perfectly or disaster strikes, strong female leaders accept the consequences of their actions. They don't play the victim or try to pass the buck onto someone else.

Female Leaders Aren't Afraid to Step Out of Their Comfort Zone

Strong female leaders are more apt to take chances that make them uneasy, or that aren't the "safe" decision to make. They understand that by stepping outside of their comfort zones, they create new and better opportunities for self-improvement.

Female Leaders Conquer Their Fears

This segues directly into the next point: strong female leaders tend to conquer their fears on a regular basis. They wouldn't have gotten this far if they were unwilling to do so. They don't run away from their fears - instead, they run towards them.

Strong Female Leaders Make Equality a Reality

Strong female leaders understand that equality doesn't happen without action, so they themselves often step up and act as the guiding light that shines the way.

Strong Female Leaders Treat Others with Respect

Women in leadership positions tend to practice the Golden Rule with great efficiency. They treat others the way they themselves want to be treated and enjoy the many benefits that come about as a result.

Strong Female Leaders Trust Their Instincts

Finally, strong female leaders, more than anyone else, have a tendency to understand that sometimes the most important voice is their own. They trust their instincts in an uncompromising way and we're all the better because of it.