I am often asked “what makes a good leader?”
My answer is: It depends on the time, place and people, however there are some common ingredients.
So I thought about the great leaders I have met and the ingredients that set them apart.
Good Listening.
Better leaders communicate really well by taking the time to listen to what people are saying and letting people know they have been understood. They listen at the 5 levels of, what is said, how it is said, what is not said, what beliefs and values are behind what is being said , and how must the person be feeling.
The average focus on talking at people
Delegation.
Top leaders delegate well following a check list and spending the time to get it right. They use delegation to enable others to reach their full potential. (See our delegation checklist for more info.)
The average ones keep control or delegate the boring stuff
Self awareness.
Great leaders know their strengths and weaknesses and their patterns of behaviour and step outside them when required. They also identify their values and recognise how to motivate themselves as well as others
The average ones never create time for self reflection
Bravery.
They continually look to go outside of their comfort zone and say what needs to be said. They don’t hide from the difficult conversations or tasks but frame them as a challenge or stretch.
The average focus on staying safe or in the comfort zone
Vision.
The best leaders regularly refer to a vision and an inspiring purpose to it. They also believe in this vision and talk about it when the going gets tough.
When the pressure is on the average leader talks about only about whats wrong and the need to be hitting targets
If you are interested in developing your leadership or creating more effective teams we would love to have a conversation.
