Qualities of a Good Leader – Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You

Diego Asks: I’m a fairly new boss in a large organization. Sometimes it seems like I’m invisible. My superiors don’t seem to interact much with me. And my employees go on in the old ways and don’t listen to me much. How can I be a better leader?

Joel Answers: Diego, it’s insightful that you don’t blame your boss or employees for the situation. That makes it easier for you to take control. When you lead effectively, they can’t possible ignore you!

Let’s break this down into three main steps: evaluate, implement, and become. This three-step process will help you develop the core qualities of great leaders.

1. Evaluate.

   First, take this simple self-test. These are some key good leader qualities to check for. You can find the full test in my book How to be a Great Boss.

   • Do I praise my employees for a job well done?
   • Do is discipline in public or private?
   • Do I give feedback?
   • Do I give employees a chance to improve?
   • Can I fire people when necessary?
   • How well do I share credit?
   • Am I helping my employees learn? Do I mentor?

2. Implement.

   Once you have decided which areas you want to work on first, create a weekly “Take Action Now” list. Start focusing on the things you can change immediately. First, it helps you take control faster. Second, immediately people see the difference in you. Your credibility and visibility as a leader increase. People take notice.

3. Become.

   Ultimately, there are seven qualities in a good leader. Diego, you will want to work on incorporating these characteristics into your leadership style to the point that this is the kind of person you are. When you adapt these great leadership qualities as part of your makeup you become too good to ignore.

   • Empowers employees. Help your employees make the most of themselves. Give them chances to excel. Let them take risk. Don’t micro-manage.
   • Provides growth opportunities. The best leaders recognize their employee’s capabilities and give them opportunities to stretch. They choose tasks that will help them grow, not overwhelm them.
   • Trains through feedback. Employees can’t read your mind. Your best help is to clearly explain how they’ve met your expectations. Then teach them what they must do to do better. Or tell them what excellent things they need to do more of.
   • Makes the tough choices. You can’t hope to be Mr. Popularity. Carefully analyze decisions and find what’s best for the company. Then walk forward in this decision with confidence— regardless of other’s opinions.
   • Gives thanks. Good leaders give thanks and show appreciation. It’s such a little effort and it makes such a big difference with your team.
   • Creates a positive workplace culture. Workers can’t thrive in fear and intimidation. When you give clear feedback and strong encouragement you create a hopeful, positive place to work. Create the expectation that every worker is and will try their best.
   • Shows them the future. Workers are more likely to give full effort when they can see the results will be good for them. Take time to map out their ascension plan with them, discussing how to upgrade their skills to meet the needs of the future workplace. Talk about promotions and opportunities.

Diego, you asked a great question. Leaders aren’t born. Good leaders adapt qualities that add great value to whatever company is fortunate enough to hire them. Their employees love to work for them. They automatically gain visibility and status. I promise you as you master these skills, you’ll be too good to ignore.

Call to Action:
Take a short-cut to great leadership with Joel’s book, How to Be a Great Boss. Or contact him for executive coaching.