What is Leadership?
By Pat Keegan, April 27th, 2009
Is being a leader something you are, or something you do? Many people have asked this question. I am not sure what the correct answer is, maybe it is both. But it is something I have been thinking about since a recent business school grad asked me, “what makes a good leader?”. So I made a list of the things I have seen effective leaders do over the years.
- Leadership is respecting the past while being able to articulate a clear, concise vision of the future.
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Leadership is about being transparent and honest, especially when this is difficult.
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Leadership is building a competent, committed team. Good leaders value a plow-horse over a show-horse. Good leaders know they are no better than their team.
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Leadership is being laser-focused on priorities. Good leaders insist on this behavior in their organizations. At the same time, they are open minded; constantly probing, questioning, and learning.
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Leadership is setting clear, realistic, and challenging goals, and then holding people accountable.
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Leadership is being a good coach. Good leaders are teachers, mentors, supporters. Good leaders must be good listeners.
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Leadership is making decisions based on principles rather than expediency. Good decisions are based on facts, not hunches. A good leader’s integrity is never challenged.
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Above all, I believe, leadership is about caring. Caring deeply and sincerely about customers, owners, partners and employees; and not being afraid to show it.
I am sure I have missed some things. Please share your favorite leadership traits. If nothing else, this list reminds me how difficult it is to be a good leader!
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I find that I respect leaders who can admit when they are wrong. It’s a brave and honorable thing to do that ultimately garners respect. Check out this thought-provoking and insightful article:
http://www.inc.com/resources/leadership/articles/20080101/dao.html
I agree with Mary. A leader who can admit faults shows that it’s not just all about protecting his or her reputation, but that when humility and honesty is warranted, it is shown with utmost sincerity. I think I also admire good leaders who show a lot of trust in their subordinates. Micromanagers are poor leaders. Given room to be creative and productive on their own, good subordinates thrive in such an environment. In addition, I value leaders who lead by example, giving the feel of “we’re in this together” as opposed to the feel of “you do this as I tell you because I am your boss”. It allows the subordinates to be much more able and willing to wholeheartedly work for that leader.
Thought provoking post, Pat. I agree with Kris and Mary’s comments as well. I believe the real test of leadership often occurs at the most challenging times when the critical qualities we value in our leaders can so easily be cast aside. We all need to remind ourselves every day that these qualities are not something to be turned on or off but rather they are behaviors and values we adopt and practice in all situations every day.