There’s a lot of discourse around leadership in almost every industry and area of life. We look at history and judge world leaders and prominent figures as “good” or “bad” leaders. We point to modern business moguls and either laude or disparage their methods. Of course, these judgments often depend on who you’re asking.
We all have different standards, values, and perspectives that influence how we view leadership. Still, I find that there are immutable qualities in true leadership. These things must be present for objectively good leadership. And, I’d argue, some things shouldn’t be present!
Here they are.
True Leadership IS…
Taking Responsibility
Leaders own the outcomes, whether good or bad. They don't shift blame when things go wrong. We can’t be so concerned with preserving our ego that we refuse to take responsibility. And we shouldn’t be so concerned with bolstering that ego that we take the credit for results we didn’t earn.
Serving the Team
Leadership is about helping others succeed. Great leaders ask, "What do you need to do your best?" That’s servant leadership: equipping and empowering your team to be the best they can be, no matter how long they’re with you.
Setting an Example
Leaders live the values they expect from others. They show integrity, effort, respect, and resilience. As much as you hold others to high standards, hold yourself to even loftier goals. Be real when you fall short, too. Apologize and make changes to avoid repeat offenses.
Building Others Up
True leaders recognize the potential in others and work to develop it through mentoring, encouragement, and trust. Train them, guide them, and advise them in ways that allow their potential to blossom. You know that they may not be with you forever, but helping them cross-train and scale their abilities can only improve outcomes while they are.
Listening First
Leaders listen carefully before speaking, making decisions with complete understanding and empathy. Too many times, we listen to respond rather than listen to understand. Be the type of leader that makes people feel heard when they have ideas and concerns.
Adapting and Learning
Leadership isn't rigid. It's about staying flexible, growing through mistakes, and evolving with the team's needs. The environment your business is in now won’t be the same in 10 years, or 5, or even next month! Stress the importance of personal growth and model that malleability for your team.
Creating a Vision
Leaders help the team see a shared purpose bigger than any individual — and inspire them to chase it together. Leadership without vision-casting leads to a team just there to clock in and out. And while we’re not asking everyone to share your level of passion, you ideally build a team that’s truly on board and all in on your mission.
Leadership ISN'T…
Just Giving Orders
Barking instructions and demanding obedience is management at best — not true leadership. It’s just a power trip, especially when demands are unreasonable or unfeasible.
Seeking the Spotlight
Leadership isn't about making yourself look important; it's about spotlighting the team’s accomplishments. You recognize that you’re part of the team. You’re there to empower their work…not stroke your ego!
Blaming Others
Leaders don't deflect or scapegoat when things fail — they step up, learn, and lead the response. They never blame their team, clients, or rivals for subpar results.
Controlling Every Detail
Micromanagement kills trust and creativity. Leaders set clear goals but let people find their way toward them. Sure, certain things need to be done “right,” but for the most part? You should trust the people you hire to do the job how they see fit.
Demanding Loyalty Without Earning It
Respect and loyalty must be earned through consistent actions, not demanded based on titles or authority. Whether you’re promoted to a leadership role or have it to begin with, that title in and of itself is not enough. Earn respect through action.
Refusing to Admit Mistakes
Leaders aren't perfect, and pretending otherwise makes them lose credibility fast. Humility is key. Be transparent about your failures, how you’ve learned from them, and how to handle disappointment or embarrassment gracefully.
Focusing Only on Results
Winning matters, but how you win matters more. Real leadership balances goals with strong ethics and the well-being of others. True leaders don’t get results by any means necessary, but by doing things right.
Who’s the best leader you’ve ever worked with? Share what made them great in the comments.