What makes a good leader and why?

This page addresses the question of what makes a good leader and what are the characteristics of a good leader. In addition, it covers the traits of a good leader and the issue of leader vs manager.

To know what makes a good leader, we need a definition

Basically, there are two sorts, the:

1. formal leader:

That is, formally recognised by their organisations as having a role in charge of others.

They will usually have a distinguishing job title (e.g. manager); be held accountable for others' performance; and, because of this responsibility, they are often paid more money.
(click here for some motivation theories).

And the,

2. informal leader - that is, everyone else.

How does that work?

Well, this happens because of a definition:

a leader is someone to whom others turn for help, advice and guidance and who, as a consequence, creates willing followers.

Now, if you accept that definition, as anyone can turn to anyone else (for help, advice and guidance), it follows that everyone at some time will have followers (whether they want them or not).

So, when anyone turns to YOU and asks for your help or guidance or advice, at that point in time, they are offering to follow you.

They are putting you in an informal leadership role.

Interesting, isn't it?

So, what makes a good leader in practice?

There are many answers to this question, depending on who you ask.

A web survey in 2007 asked followers what they regarded as "bad boss" behaviours. That is, the opposite, of course, of what makes a good leader. Although this survey related to formal leaders, the answers would apply equally to informal leaders (e.g. parents).

The top 10 answers were:

1. favouritism

2. failure to communicate (especially expectations, timelines and goals)

3. use of disciplinary measures inappropriately or unfairly

4. intimidating or bullying followers (including, not listening)

5. stealing the credit for followers' work or ideas

6. failing to reward or recognise followers' good performance

7. not letting go of problems or mistakes

8. not accepting constructive feedback and improvements

9. lacking integrity (especially, breaking promises and being dishonest)

10. lacking the courage to do the right thing.

What makes a good leader, as defined by followers, is to deliver consistently behaviours that are the opposite of the above. For followers, the characteristics of a good leader, are very practical, very visible and very "felt".

The traits of a good leader are essentially displayed in a relationship with followers that values mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual support.

It is also in his or her values, beliefs and behaviours that followers experience the attributes of a leader. For them, charismatic leaders are much more than just extrovert personalities.

What makes a good leader in terms of leadership versus management?

The Leader vs Manager issue has evolved over time and recently the emphasis has moved to encouraging self-managed teams of followers, allowing the leader to let go of micro-managing the detail.

Listed below are some of the choices leaders make compared to those that managers tend to make.

MANAGERS often behave like this:

* do things right
* focus on systems and structure
* rely on control
* have a short term view
* ask how and when
* seek predictability and order
* avoid risks
* require followers to comply
* decide, direct and control
* expect to have answers
* include followers after solutions
* retains power for self defence
* rely on extrinsic motivation
* keep communications closed
* seek certainty and limits
* use position-to-position influence
* administer and maintain
* organise and direct

The above are illustrative of what makes a good leader, not exhaustive.

For many followers, adding the following to the above characteristics of a good leader is what makes a great leader:

* creates a motivating climate by setting challenging, but realistic, goals and standards for self and the team (click here for some inspiring team building quotes)

* sees errors as learning opportunities (and mentors and coaches accordingly)

* has positive self image and confidence and encourages these in followers

* encourages followers to participate in decision making and continuous improvement

* is committed to self improvement (for self and followers)

* seeks and gives honest feedback consistently

* is a great listener (and asker and summariser)

* values and uses differences as a source of creativity and excellence.

Ok, it's time to personalise this, what makes a good leader of YOU? - who me?

Yes, YOU, absolutely.

If you are a CEO or a Company Director or business owner or a manager, then it's obvious that you are a formal leader and others have to follow you.

However, as you may recall from the above, even if this is not the case for you, you are still an informal leader.

WHY? Because informal leadership happens in all relationships

For example, it happens:

* in families - if you're a parent, you're obviously in charge (?), but if one brother turns to his sister for help, advice and guidance, he offers to follow her

* in teams - sporting teams or project teams or committees

* in colleges - between students, students and staff, and between staff

* in social gatherings or in communities etc. etc.

Get the idea? - Do you agree?

Thus, leadership does not belong exclusively to anyone, it belongs to everyone and it is inevitable in any interactions between people.

Ok, so what, what's this got to do with your self improvement and personal growth?

Every time someone turns to you for help advice and guidance, you have an opportunity to influence them, build your power, develop your communication skills, boost your self esteem etc. etc., don't you?


What type of leader are YOU?

Whilst there are a number of models of what makes a good leader that we could refer to (e.g. democratic, authoritarian, participative), in our context, let's focus on behaviour.

That is, in any situation where people offer to follow you, how would you behave?

As ever, you have a choice.

Here are five common choices you could make in terms of styles of leadership:

1. neglect

That is, you reject the offer to lead and allow or encourage someone else to do so.

You choose to waste the opportunity.

And, you may have very valid reasons for doing so.

In terms of personal growth, however, do make sure this is a proactive choice and not just, "can't be bothered", or stuck in your comfort zone.

2. popularity

That is, respond but in ways that will let people hear what they want to hear.

Your choice includes modifying your response so that it is acceptable and avoids any risk of conflict.

This type also minimises your benefits in terms of personal growth and may hold the attraction of, "anything for an easy life", but it is another wasted opportunity in terms of what makes a good leader.

3. directive

That is, you grab the opportunity with both hands to organise things, tell people what to do etc.

This often relates to left brain limbic thinking - real attention to detail.

This offers learning as results emerge, but may loose out on the relationship (e.g. sometimes people, even though they asked you to lead them, react negatively to the perceived bossiness of this type).

4. facilitate

That is, respond in ways that encourage a response from others whilst you pay attention to the relationship.

This type has good intentions. It's an attempt to mentor or coach the other to think for themselves and to learn by turning their offer to follow back to them.

Often it works well and there are useful personal growth learnings that can emerge.

Sometimes it doesn't work so well because the person can feel irritated that you won't help them directly.

To them, answering their question with another question drives them nuts.

5. collaborative

That is, you respond in a way that moves things forward and invites the other person to contribute and progress things even further.

This can be a fine balance, of course, but when it works there is usually good learnings for you and them and good outcomes.

In addition to building your self esteem, power and self improvement etc., this type has the advantage of not creating dependency.

With regard to what makes a good leader, which type is best?

The answer is, all of them and none of them.

Sorry about that, but the approach that yields a win-win outcome, in terms of genuinely helping and leading the person, and contributing to your self improvement, is situational

In a nutshell, this means you must be able to analyse the situation and choose which ever type of leadership matches the evident needs.

This skill is what makes a good leader, and the more you practice, the easier it gets.

Also, watch how others handle situations and build your skill at spotting the choices of leader types they make and the results they get.

Use your learning log to capture ideas etc. about what makes a good leader.

Click here for some inspiring leadership quotes to stimulate your thinking about what makes a good leader.

What makes a good leader of you - who me? Absolutely, and what a great
opportunity for self improvement it creates.
Do take this chance to achieve personal growth with enthusiasm.
Click here to go to our Home page.

Go to Top of Page