Everyone has their own opinions of what characteristics make up a good leader.
From well-spoken and patient to charismatic and forceful, the list of qualities
can run the gamut. But, sure-tell signs of effective leaders aren’t in their traits,
but in their results. As you look within your own company and try to gauge the
effectiveness of your own leadership, or the leadership of others, look for these
three indicators.
Consistent Growth
True leaders know they are neither perfect nor omniscient. They are always looking
for ways to be better and never veer from the path of self-improvement. One of
the best signs of a good leader is a slight spirit of discontent. You have to be able
to recognize that you are better today than you were a year ago, but still focus on
becoming even better a year from now. And, growth can never take a backseat to
your busyness. In the book Great Leaders Grow, by Mark Miller and Ken Blanchard,
they point out that, “If you get too busy with your job to grow, your influence and
your leadership will stagnate and ultimately evaporate.”
Continual Success
If the proof is in the pudding, then a good leader’s team will achieve success again
and again. This is true in the business world and on the football field. Take Terry
Bradshaw, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who led his team to multiple
Super Bowl victories, for example. You could not be an ineffective leader and
still lead your team to win four Super Bowl titles. A poor leader might have a few
victories, but continual success is the result of good leadership. A recent Forbes
article echoes this assertion with its statement, “The result of good leadership is
high morale, good employee retention, and sustainable long-term success.”
Contagious Spirit
Another quick way to determine the quality of someone’s leadership is to look
at their teammates, co-workers, or employees. Are they excited about what they
do? Are they stepping up and taking on leadership roles of their own? A leader’s
power doesn’t just rest in his or her ability to do a task well, whether it’s throwing
a football or running a business. The real power lies in their ability to inspire
greatness in their team. You are not a true leader if you simply inspire fear or
mediocrity. Good leadership begets good leadership.
Many people proclaim themselves to be good leaders. After all, no one wants to
be told that they’re a bad or ineffective leader. But, good leadership is proven
through results, not words. If you really want to gauge the effectiveness of your
own leadership, consider your growth, your team’s success, and your teammate’s
attitudes. Those three elements will tell you what you need to know.
