So, What Is a Leader Anyway?
If I asked you to describe a great leader in your life, how would you characterize them? What did they do to make you feel this way about them? Did they listen well, invest in you, or build trust with you? Did they influence you to think or act differently?
One of the most asked questions relating to leadership is “What is a leader?” “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” according to John C. Maxwell. A title isn't required for leadership and leadership isn't limited to an office setting. Exceptional leadership can also be seen at home or with family and friends. Age doesn’t limit leadership; anyone, regardless of age, can inspire change, whether they are young or older.
It sounds so simple, right? Leadership is influence. If you step back and think about it, leadership has played a crucial role in driving any kind of change, whether minor or major. It’s basically someone stepping into a role, with courage, and persisting forward with an idea or opinion they believed would introduce change.
Below are 5 vital characteristics of a good leader.
They Value & Serve Others: They believe in and look for the good in other people. This includes diversity of thought, appreciating differences, and leveraging someone’s strengths to solve problems. Embracing others' ideas can lead to personal growth. They prioritize serving and developing their teams and organizations before themselves, enabling others to rise.
They Have Integrity: They follow through on their commitments, even when no one is watching. They take accountability for their decisions and actions, even when they make mistakes.
They Are Trustworthy: Trustworthy leaders maintain consistency and are there in both good and bad times. They don’t share confidential information shared with them.
They Are Emotionally Stable: Leaders should be aware of their emotions and able to manage them effectively. They may encounter situations with a range of emotions. It’s their job to remain calm, acknowledge their emotions, and determine what action to take, if any.
They Show Gratitude: Leaders who show gratitude acknowledge accomplishments and progress forward along with things that can be improved. This includes both people and processes. Saying “thank you” to someone goes far and promotes a positive and motivated environment.
Growing as a leader takes time. As you grow in the characteristics listed above, as well as others, you’ll be able to increase your overall influence! Happy leading!
