Introduction: What Makes a Great Leader?
Leadership is more than just giving orders or steering a company toward success. It’s about the subtle, sometimes invisible, characteristics that make people follow, trust, and believe in you. How do you know if you or someone in your organization is truly a great leader? What signals indicate that someone is not just a manager but an exceptional leader?
In this article, we’ll explore the 21 clear signals that identify great leaders. Whether you’re an aspiring leader looking to develop these traits or part of an organization assessing leadership potential, these signals will help you spot and cultivate greatness. From transparency to empathy, these are the qualities that separate good leaders from great ones. 🌟
1. They Communicate with Transparency 🗣️
One of the most critical signs of a great leader is transparent communication. Leaders who communicate openly and honestly foster an environment of trust. Transparency is not about sharing every piece of information but about clear and candid communication, even when delivering tough news.
Example:
Consider a leader facing a company restructuring. Rather than keeping employees in the dark, a great leader will explain the reasons behind the decision, how it will impact the team, and the next steps. This type of transparency builds trust and reduces uncertainty.
2. They Criticize Privately and Thoughtfully 🤫
Great leaders understand the importance of delivering criticism privately. They offer constructive feedback in a way that encourages growth without embarrassing or diminishing the individual. The key here is to ensure the criticism is thoughtful, actionable, and specific to help the individual improve.
Scenario:
Imagine you’re a project manager, and one of your team members repeatedly misses deadlines. A poor leader might call them out in a meeting, but a great leader would take them aside, discuss the issue, and offer support to find a solution, like improved time management techniques.
3. They Make Intelligent Risks 🎯
Risk-taking is a hallmark of leadership, but not just any risk — it’s about making intelligent risks. Great leaders assess potential risks, weighing the benefits and downsides, and take calculated chances that propel the organization forward.
Example:
Elon Musk’s decision to launch SpaceX was a calculated risk. Despite the odds, he believed in the vision of making space travel affordable and scalable. A great leader knows when to take bold steps and when to tread cautiously.
4. Resilience Runs in Their Blood 💪
Resilience is an essential quality in leadership. Great leaders don’t crumble under pressure. Instead, they bounce back from failures stronger than before. When facing challenges, they lead by example and inspire their teams to push through adversity.
Case Study:
Steve Jobs’ return to Apple in 1997 is an example of resilient leadership. After being ousted from the company he co-founded, Jobs returned to lead the company to one of the greatest comebacks in corporate history with the launch of the iPhone.
5. They Measure Output, Not Input 📊
While many leaders focus on hours worked or efforts made, great leaders are more concerned with the results. It’s not about how much time you spend on something, but what you achieve. This results-oriented focus drives teams to be more efficient and productive.
Tip for Leaders:
Set clear goals with measurable outcomes. Rather than micromanaging the process, evaluate based on the impact and results. Empower your team to find the best way to meet those outcomes.
6. They Create an Exceptional Culture 🌱
Culture is at the heart of any thriving organization, and great leaders know how to cultivate it. They create a positive, supportive environment where innovation, collaboration, and diversity thrive. Employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
How to Build Culture:
- Encourage open communication.
- Recognize and celebrate achievements.
- Support professional growth and learning.
7. They Have a Knack for Attracting Talent 🌟
Attracting top talent is one of the hallmarks of a great leader. People naturally want to work with leaders who inspire, challenge, and support them. Great leaders create environments where top performers want to be, fostering a culture that is magnetic to high-level talent.
Pro Tip for Leaders:
Make your organization a place where people can grow and thrive. Offer professional development opportunities and create a positive, motivating environment to attract the best in your industry.
8. Emotional Intelligence is Their Sixth Sense 👁️
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while also recognizing the emotions of others. Great leaders use EQ to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically, making them incredible listeners and decision-makers.
Practical Scenario:
A team member is visibly stressed during a meeting. A great leader might notice this and later offer support, providing a listening ear or help with task prioritization.
9. Their Heart Beats with Empathy 💓
Empathy is one of the most underrated but essential traits of great leadership. Leaders with empathy can put themselves in others’ shoes, understanding their challenges and perspectives. This makes them more approachable and supportive.
Example of Empathetic Leadership:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies shifted to remote work. Great leaders understood that employees were facing unprecedented stress and adapted policies to accommodate their needs, offering flexible hours and mental health support.
10. Innovation Fuels Them 💡
Great leaders are always looking for ways to innovate. They understand that stagnation is the enemy of growth. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries of technology or introducing new processes, innovation is at the core of their leadership style.
Example:
Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft by shifting the company’s focus from Windows to cloud computing (Azure). This innovation revitalized the company and put it back on a high-growth trajectory.
11. They Focus on Systems 🔄
Great leaders understand the value of systems thinking. Rather than focusing on individual tasks or quick fixes, they create and optimize systems that allow for sustainable growth. It’s about creating processes that scale and improve over time.
Scenario:
If a company is struggling with customer service, a great leader wouldn’t just focus on hiring more representatives. Instead, they would evaluate the entire customer service system, from initial contact to resolution, and look for systematic improvements.
12. Active Listening is Their Nature 👂
Great leaders don’t just hear — they listen. Active listening means fully engaging with the speaker, understanding their point of view, and responding thoughtfully. This trait fosters a culture of respect and open communication within teams.
Pro Tip for Leaders:
Practice active listening by eliminating distractions (like phones or emails) during conversations. Summarize what was said to ensure understanding and demonstrate that you are fully engaged.
13. Integrity is Their North Star ⭐
Without integrity, leadership crumbles. Great leaders hold themselves to the highest ethical standards, doing the right thing even when it’s hard. They build trust through honesty and consistency, ensuring that their actions match their words.
Case Study:
Warren Buffet is known for his integrity in the business world. His commitment to transparency and ethical practices has made Berkshire Hathaway one of the most trusted names in finance.
14. They Develop Other Leaders 👩💼👨💼
A great leader doesn’t just build followers—they build other leaders. They invest time and resources in the growth and development of their teams, mentoring future leaders to ensure the organization thrives even in their absence.
Tip for Leaders:
Look for potential in your team and provide them with the resources and opportunities to lead. Whether through mentorship or leadership training programs, help your team members grow into leaders themselves.
15. Adaptability is Their Competitive Advantage 🔄
In today’s fast-changing world, adaptability is key. Great leaders are not rigid; they are flexible and able to adjust to new situations quickly. Whether it’s market shifts, technological changes, or global events, they can pivot without losing focus.
Example:
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, companies that thrived were led by adaptable leaders who quickly shifted to remote work, embraced new technologies, and supported their employees through the transition.
16. They Embrace Feedback 💬
Great leaders seek out and embrace feedback, seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. They create an environment where team members feel comfortable providing constructive feedback and using it to improve.
Tip for Leaders:
Ask for regular feedback from your team, peers, and superiors. Use tools like anonymous surveys or 360-degree feedback to get honest input, and make tangible changes based on the results.
17. They Wear Humility Like a Badge 🎖️
A great leader understands that humility is not a sign of weakness, but a display of strength. Humility means knowing when to admit you’re wrong, acknowledging your limitations, and being open to learning from others. Leaders who exude humility foster an environment where others feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and contribute to the growth of the organization.
Why Humility is Important in Leadership:
- It creates trust: When leaders show humility, they foster a culture of transparency and openness. Employees trust leaders who are approachable and genuine.
- It encourages collaboration: Humble leaders recognize that they don’t have all the answers, encouraging a team-oriented approach where collective ideas lead to better decision-making.
- It keeps ego in check: Leaders who don’t let ego get in the way are more likely to make decisions based on what’s best for the organization rather than what’s best for themselves.
Practical Scenario:
Imagine a CEO who made a critical decision that led to a temporary financial loss for the company. Instead of hiding or shifting the blame, a great leader openly admits the mistake, takes responsibility, and works with the team to come up with solutions. By wearing humility like a badge, the CEO gains more respect from their team, who are now inspired to trust the process and help turn the situation around.
18. Learning is Their Lifestyle 📚
One of the hallmarks of a great leader is their continuous thirst for knowledge. Leaders who commit to lifelong learning remain adaptable and innovative in a fast-paced world. Whether it’s learning from books, attending seminars, or picking up lessons from their team, they understand that growth never stops.
How Learning Fuels Leadership:
- Adaptation to change: In rapidly evolving industries, great leaders stay ahead by continuously updating their knowledge base.
- Inspires the team: When a leader demonstrates a passion for learning, it encourages employees to also pursue self-improvement and development.
- Solves complex problems: Constant learning allows leaders to tackle complex issues with fresh perspectives and updated skills.
Practical Example:
Consider Bill Gates, who is famous for his “Think Week” tradition. During this week, he isolates himself to focus on deep reading and learning. Despite his success, Gates continues to learn, proving that the most successful leaders are lifelong learners.
Pro Tip for Leaders:
Make learning part of your daily routine. Allocate time for reading, listening to podcasts, or attending workshops. Encourage your team to do the same by offering learning resources or stipends for professional development.
19. They Don’t Wear Masks or Play Politics 🎭
Authenticity is a key trait of a great leader. Rather than playing office politics or pretending to be something they’re not, these leaders stay true to themselves. Great leaders don’t “wear masks” or engage in manipulative politics to gain favor; instead, they lead with genuine care, honesty, and transparency.
Why Authenticity Matters:
- Builds stronger relationships: Teams appreciate and respect leaders who are genuine and don’t put on a facade.
- Fosters a positive culture: Authenticity reduces office politics and creates a healthy work environment where trust and collaboration thrive.
- Increases loyalty: When leaders are authentic, employees feel more connected and loyal because they know they are working for someone who truly cares about their well-being.
Scenario:
Imagine a team member approaches their manager about a conflict in the office. Instead of pretending to have all the answers or playing down the issue, a great leader addresses the situation authentically. They listen to the concerns without bias, and take transparent steps to resolve the conflict, demonstrating their commitment to fairness and genuine leadership.
20. They Give Credit Publicly 🏆
A great leader is always quick to give credit where it’s due. They recognize the achievements of their team members and are not afraid to publicly celebrate the contributions of others. By doing so, they build morale, encourage performance, and foster a culture of recognition within the organization.
Benefits of Public Recognition:
- Boosts team morale: Publicly acknowledging an employee’s hard work increases their motivation and self-esteem.
- Creates a positive work culture: Recognition encourages employees to go above and beyond, knowing their efforts will be appreciated.
- Shows leadership humility: Leaders who give credit where it’s due showcase their selflessness, understanding that success is a team effort.
Example of Great Leadership:
Consider a project where the team delivers ahead of schedule. Instead of taking all the glory, a great leader would take the opportunity in a meeting or company-wide communication to praise the individuals who contributed the most, giving them the spotlight they deserve.
21. They Adopt a ‘Relationships First’ Attitude 🤝
At the heart of great leadership lies the ability to build strong relationships. Great leaders prioritize their relationships with their team, partners, and clients, knowing that people are the foundation of success. They actively work on building trust, rapport, and mutual respect, believing that strong relationships will naturally lead to better performance, collaboration, and long-term success.
Why Relationships Matter:
- Trust and loyalty: By prioritizing relationships, leaders build trust, which leads to stronger commitment from the team.
- Improved teamwork: Great leaders create a sense of community within their teams, where individuals feel valued, connected, and more willing to collaborate.
- Sustainable success: Success in leadership isn’t just about short-term wins; it’s about creating an environment where relationships are nurtured for long-term growth.
Example:
Consider a leader who always makes time for one-on-one meetings with their team members, not just to discuss work but to understand their personal goals, challenges, and aspirations. This focus on building relationships creates deep loyalty and drives team members to give their best.
Conclusion: The Blueprint for Great Leadership
Leadership is not about titles or authority; it’s about inspiring, influencing, and empowering others to be their best selves. The 21 signals of great leadership outlined above—from humility and empathy to authenticity and relationship-building—are the characteristics that set great leaders apart from the rest.
By adopting these signals, you can cultivate your own leadership potential or identify and support the development of great leaders within your organization. Great leadership isn’t born—it’s developed through conscious effort, empathy, and a commitment to learning and growing alongside your team.
To sum it up, if you want to be a great leader, always remember:
- Be transparent and communicate openly.
- Lead with empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Build strong relationships and prioritize your team.
- Embrace feedback and be a lifelong learner.
- Stay authentic and give credit where it’s due.
Incorporating these signals into your leadership approach will not only improve your effectiveness but also help create a culture of trust, innovation, and success. 🌟
