What Do You Think Makes a Good Leader?
Recently when I was listening to some people who were in positions of 
leadership, the thought occurred to me that they didn’t appear to be exhibiting what I would consider traits that mark a good leader.
Think back on people you’ve worked for who were ones you’d follow to the ends of the earth. And of course, there’ve been those you wouldn’t follow down the hall for a cup of coffee.
And as I often do, I began talking to myself about what makes a good leader.
What makes a good leader?
1.These are the people you turn to when you want to get something done.
You know that the buck stops with them. And, if something is going to get done it will be that person that does it. They are also the ones that are knee deep in other projects.
2.Leaders do what is best for all, and not just themselves.
Too often politics in an office or organization (or in politics) will get in the way and the goal becomes win at all costs.
The wise leader can see the whole picture and if that means that their team or their group may have to take a step back they do what is best for the majority.
3.Leaders admit when they’re wrong or made a mistake and move to make things right.
No one’s perfect. We all make mistakes. Leaders know this and are committed and strong enough to admit it and find a solution to what is wrong.
4.A good leader has a set of principles or rules (like Gibbs’ rules) by which they live.
We know what they will do because they have rules that guide them. We expect it of them.
5. A good leader knows when to call in the troops.
They have others to turn to when they don’t know the answer.
6.A good leader listens to others and weighs the facts.
They are confident in their own skin and understand that listening to others is not a sign of weakness.
7.A good leader wants to see others succeed.
There is no ego that needs to be fed.
8. A good leader leads by doing.
They wouldn’t think of asking anyone to do what they wouldn’t think of doing.
9. A good leader sees beyond what is but sees what could be.
In a nutshell, they have vision.
10. You fill in the blank!
There are more, I’m sure, but it was at this point that I stopped discussing the subject with myself and thought I’d ask you to chime in.
So, what do you think? What do you think makes a good leader?
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