5 Qualities That Make a Good Leader
How to be a good leader
What makes a good leader? and how to be a good leader? These were the questions that took me a while to figure out…
I wasn’t born with leadership skills neither did I became a confident leader overnight. Acquiring leadership skills to become a better leader takes time and effort.
It needs consistency, many trial and error, and of course hard work.
In my growing years, I’ve had many wonderful opportunities to take up roles that will push me out of my comfort zone, one of them was taking up the captain role for my Taekwondo team in Polytechnic.
I’ve also had the opportunity to be part of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) an organization back in my teenage years that will not only shape the leader I am today but also the person I am today.
The NCC impacted me in many ways and I will forever be grateful to that organization that kick-started my passion for leadership.
In this article, I’ve decided to compile 5 qualities that make a good leader based on what I’ve learned over the years.
1. Empathetic
Good leaders know how to be empathetic to the people that serve under them. They’re able to relate to the people; understand their struggles and the problems that they may face in the team.
Empathetic leaders look after and provide emotional support for the people within the team; building up the trust between the leader and their people.
It is this fundamental characteristic that differentiates a good leader from a developing leader.
Leaders who are empathetic are also good listeners. They provide a sense of comfort and safety to the people in the team by actively listening to them.
Being empathetic also creates this space in which allows people to be vulnerable.
When the environment in the team is built upon empathy it, in turn, creates a more cohesive culture.
2. Role model
A good leader leads by example. As much of an inspiration, one can provide for the team through motivational speeches. They must very much preach what they say and be involved with the work that their people do.
Good leaders are role models to the people that serve under them and people emulate their behaviors in the team.
That is why the portrayal of a leader’s self-image is very important as well; keeping themselves in check when at work and being mindful of their own actions.
A leader who is a role model knows how important it is to maintain professionalism. They know when to have fun and they know how to draw a clear line between personal life and work life.
Being a role model also provides a good example in which the people serving can look up to and mirror them.
3. Responsible
A responsible leader also makes a good leader. One who is accountable for every action that they take and the outcome of the actions that they took. They also know that the decision that they make has an impact on the people within the team; therefore, they are cautious with decision making.
Responsible leaders speak with integrity and keep promises. They follow through with their actions and not just with words.
Even when promises aren’t met, they find ways to make up for it and ensure that the bond within the team stays strong.
A responsible leader is a man of his words. They make sure that they can live up to their promise and they demonstrate reliability in doing so.
4. Assertive
Assertive leaders are able to communicate their wants and expectations to the people within the team confidently without exerting dominance.
Many great leaders of this century are assertive leaders; one such leader is Mr. Barack Obama, the Ex-President of the United States of America.
He was calm and collected throughout his service as the president; exhibiting great resiliency in guiding America throughout many rough periods the country faced, one of which was bringing back the fluctuating economy after the end of the Great Recession in 2009.
Leaders with an assertive leading style are well-respected by people and people follow them not because they are forced to but because they want to. They instill a sense of purpose for the people and empower the people to inspire action.
Being an assertive leader also allows the people within the team to feel important and heard when important matters are addressed. They validate the feelings of others without neglecting their own needs.
Hence, being assertive not only establishes respect between a leader and their people but it also creates an inclusive environment where everyone genuinely feels heard.
5. Visionary
A good leader is also a visionary. They have the ability to visualize the possible future of the team and where they want them to be headed towards in the long-run.
Visionary leaders are also able to share their visions with the team and guide them towards the common goal. They value the end result as much as making progress because ultimately every little progress is one step closer to the end goal.
Leaders that are visionary, inspire people to take action. They are able to strategically come up with realistic targets for the people to achieve; in turn, motivating them to work towards that shared vision.
Being a visionary is an important quality for leaders. In one way or another, leaders who can envision the future are also able to better lead the team towards success. They provide a sense of direction to the people and a reason to progress forward as a team.
Thank you so much if you have read up till this point; there’s actually an added BONUS to one of the MOST important qualities a good leader can have and that is...
Humility
One of the most important qualities a good leader can possess is humility.
Humble leaders know that they do not have all the information in the world and are therefore open to feedback and suggestions from the team. They also understand that everyone is an expert in their own respective fields thus they provide opportunities for people to step up and empower them while doing so.
Leaders that are humble bring out the best in people, groom them, and allow them to reach their fullest potential.
When success is attained, they don’t take credit for the team’s success but instead, they celebrate it and praise everyone’s hard work for achieving it.
The thing is, humble leaders, do not see themselves any greater than a normal human being.
When a mistake is made, humble leaders take full responsibility and accountability for it. They’re able to cast aside their ego and apologize.
Most importantly they grow from every experience and they constantly better themselves.
As much as the success of the team matters, humble leaders equally value the growth of others as well and they aspire to influence the growth of every individual in the team making them better versions of themselves.
People embrace humble leaders and have great admiration for leaders who help uplift others. They truly believe in them and have faith in their leaders.
