10 Signs Of Good Leaders

There are many attributes that make a good leader. Here, in no particular order, are some collected from my favourite bosses.

1. Patience: A good leader is able to keep calm even under pressure. Leadership is needed most when something unexpected happens, and that is why the person in charge of managing the situation needs to be able to stay calm and to decide the right action needed. Patience is also needed on a more regular basis for training and supporting the team. If someone needs to ask for advice or is in need of support and is not able to get it - or doesn’t want to ask for it - for fear of being barked at, it is an issue for all.  

2. Accountability and Responsibility: A good leader takes responsibility even for the things they don’t like about their job. It really eats respect when someone dodges the bullet every time and leaves someone who gets paid a lot less to deal with issues they don’t have the tools to deal with. Good leaders also expect accountability from their team and lead by example. When mistakes happen, things are not swept under the carpet, nor is there a finger-pointing competition. They are dealt with transparency and an apology if necessary. A good leader knows that taking responsibility for actions builds trust, and when the team is able to trust and respect each other, everyone wins.

3. Kindness and Empathy: A leader needs to lead with heart as well as head. When dealing with people, the best results will be obtained when they are treated as human beings. A good leader knows how to motivate people to perform their best, not just give them orders. Instructions need to be given respecting the listener; that way, the results will go a lot further than just the task in hand.

4. Fairness: A workplace is a shared space, and the rules and working conditions should be the same for all. If others are treated differently, that will lead to issues that affect both the working environment and the end results for customers/clients. It is also natural to get along with some people better than others, and it is great if your relationships extend outside the workplace, but when at work, things should be kept neutral, and there should be no favouritism. Even if there are favourites, that should be kept to yourself.

5. Humility: A good leader doesn't brag. They are very well aware of their skills, but leave listing them for job interviews. They let their results speak for themselves.

6. Listening: A leader needs to be able to listen; otherwise, they won’t have all the necessary information to make the correct or best decisions and give the right directions. A good leader knows what is going on in the team, what motivates them, and if there is anything preventing them from being their best in general or on any given day.

7. Taking action and Leading by example: A good leader doesn’t ask their team to do something they are not able to do themselves, and/or look for ways to learn if they don’t know how to do something. They are able to give instructions if needed. A good leader is also willing to take part in daily tasks if necessary, not just watching their team work. No task is below their job description, as they know that when it is up to them to get the job done, if it means they need to join the heavy lifting, then they will do just that.