Surface Ripples

7 Signs of Great Leaders

We’ve only experienced them: “good” and “bad” leaders. Sometimes we know what it is that makes them a “good” or “bad”.  At others we may take more time to identify exactly what it is.

Eric Partaker has managed to distil seven qualities of “good” leader leaders.

1.    He starts with the fact that a good leader always gives you credit. Your hard work is noticed, recognised and they make sure everyone knows that you contributed to the team success.

2.   Good leaders also welcome other people’s ideas. They create an environment where it’s safe to for their people to give voice to thoughts and suggestions.  There’s no paranoia about being “outshone”. 

3.   Good leaders also encourage and support their staff in developing.  Good ones offer opportunities and really push you to be the best you can be. 

4.   Something that’s (perhaps comparatively) rare is that a good leader cares for their people’s  well-being (not trust their work).  They check in regularly and make sure you get support when you’re facing difficult times.

5.   Even rarer (in some cultures), but following on from 4 above, is that good leaders respect their workers’ personal time.  In fact, they encourage them to take time off and really “disconnect” from work. 

6.   They lead by example.  In other words, good leaders “walk the walk” (and talk).  They’ll also hold their workers to high standards and hold them accountable for maintaining them (and show them the consequences of failing to do so).  They’ll train them in these standards, but they won’t micromanage them; if they do, it means they aren’t willing to make them accountable.

7.   Finally (and the trickiest feature for some) is that good leaders think about how their decision decisions affect others. They’ll explain their decisions and help their people overcome any changes that these bring about.  They’ll also do what’s best for everyone’s and the organisation’s long-term future. 

In short, as one of my friends said, “leadership is about legwork” - walking the talk, checking in with people, asking for ideas and showing the way. 

I’ve spent more than half my life delivering change in different world markets from the most developed to “emerging” economies. With a wealth of international experience in international financial services around the world running different operations and lending businesses, I started my own Consultancy to provide solutions for improving performance, productivity and risk management.  I work with individuals, small businesses, charities, quoted companies and academic institutions across the world. An international speaker, trainer, author and fund-raiser, I can be contacted by email. My website  provides a full picture of my portfolio of services. 

Labels: Career, Leadership, Teamwork

posted by William Martin @ 15:05