What Qualities Make a Great Leader?

In life we are surrounded by all types of people. There are two types of leaders the great leader that everyone loves and the type that everyone hates.

The Corporate Ladder

In the workplace especially in the corporate world there are different positions of authority. They have the executives, managers, and then the supervisors.

Usually the people who are in the higher positions go to college and have a great education then get some experience (internship) or the other alternative is working for the company for years upon years upon years.

Power Verses Authority

So, what is the difference between power and authority? And yes there is a difference. What comes to mind when you here the word “POWER?” Power is all about control. And what comes to mind when you hear the word “AUTHORITY?” Personally when I hear someone has authority then I feel that person is well-respected.

What is Power?

In higher positions within a company sometimes that position may get to a higher-ups head. Phrases like “abusing ones power” may come to mind. A power-hungry boss may lose their employees due to their controlling behaviors. A leader does not and I repeat does not under any circumstance treat their people bad or that they are lower than them in any way. At the end of the day we are all human beings with responsibilities in and out of the workplace.

When a business loses their employees then the business itself will suffer. In the end, if you are using power to operate your business and you lose all of your employees was using power in the first place even worth it?

Power is only a temporary gain for a means to an end. That means that your reign of terror in the workplace will end. Ever heard of the famous phrase, “what goes around” or “treat others how you would like to be treated?” Well the gist of it is get off your high throne if your are supposedly supposed to be a leader and be there for your people!

What is Authority?

Any great leader should have this skill. Authority is having the respect of your people. And with this respect they will do your will without the abuse of power. A true leader is a problem solver they get down and dirty with their staff and does not bark inappropriate orders to their staff.

Who are you?

A great leader should be humble and be self-aware of who they are. They should know that they are not perfect. They are in a state of constant learning. Leaders should be like a sponge and learn from every source possible. Even if that is learning from their own people.

Even though a leader should be self-aware of their own flaws and skills they should also be aware of what their people are bringing to the table. It is also important for a leader to challenge their people so that they can unlock their full potential.

So, sit back and think about all the things that you are good at and think about all the things you are bad at. The things that you are good at, you should constantly practice to become better at it. And for the things that you are bad at you should practice them until you become good at them. If for whatever reason you cannot become good at the things that you are bad at then focus at excelling at the things that you are good at and become great at them!

Running a business is not about the money or getting the highest profits. All of that will fall in place if you build beautiful long-lasting relationships with your staff. If a leader is all about their people this will go a long way. By helping their people leaders will build a legacy that will be remembered through future leadership.

Leaders do not only exist in the workplace: parents, older siblings, guardians, mentors, teachers, etc, and even entry-level workers can be great leaders.

Yes, even entry-level workers can be great leaders. For example, say that there is a new manager for this company that you work for. This manager is not exactly knowledgeable with the company at hand. This manager takes the abusing their power approach. You and your coworkers have been working for this company for years. You are well-respected and your other coworkers look up to you, and you know how to do your job well. And now you and your coworkers have to deal with this new manager who does not know how to operate this company. Who do you think your coworkers will go to when they need a leader?

So, What Makes a Great Leader?

A great leader believes and supports their people. A leader will try their best to build long-term relationships with their people. They will not look at themselves as superiors to others. They will look at themselves as people with responsibility. A responsibility to guide their people in the right direction. A leader will go above and beyond for their people because people come first before money. The relationship between a leader and their people should be so strong they the leader should know the dreams and aspirations of their people have all the right to help them achieve their goals! A truly greatly leader does not have followers, they make new leaders.

Qualities a Great Leader Should Have

1. Vision
2. Focus
3. Integrity
4. Courage
5. Cooperation
6. Humility
7. Communication
8. Strategic Planning
9. Creativity
10. Selflessness
11. Self-Awareness
12. Confidence
13. Accountability
14. Enthusiasm
15. Commitment
16. Intuition
17. Inspiration
18. Approach
19. Discipline
20. Motivation
21. Patience
22. Empathy
23. Analysis
24. Risk-taker
25. Love

This is my top twenty-five characteristics of what a great leader should be. Is there anything that I am missing please feel free to leave a comment below.

Can your people trust you as a leader? Do you put your people first? Listen to what Simon Sinek has to say about leadership here:

With all the information given will you become a better leader? Do you consider yourself the perfect leader already? If you answered yes, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but that is just not the case. There is no such thing as “perfect” we are forever improving, remember that!

A great book to read about leadership is “The World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How To Become A Servant Leader.”