What makes a great leader?

I was curious about what people think makes a great leader. So, I asked the following question to my audience:

I love the community of leaders I have built. Here is just a sampling of the insightful comments I got back:
- Win!
- integrity
- an open mind
- self awareness
- train your people
- long term vision
- be able to say no
- the art of delegation
- guide, do not impose
- do not micromanage
- give a good example
- empower people/team
- do not run from conflict
- communicate effectively
- share their own mistakes
- ability to set a clear vision
- know how to manage money
- be an enabler for their teams
- keep cool during difficult situations
- inspires by actions instead of words
- paint a picture of a better tomorrow
- understanding of their business model
- champion causes that align with their objectives
- challenge their ideas to stretch their perspectives
If you have more to add to the conversation, I’d enjoy hearing about it.
───
Closing thoughts
Leadership is not a gift you are born with. The skills can be learned and improved upon. You have it within you to be a great leader.
Look for simple, yet effective methods to improve.
My advice is to pick one area to focus on, and anchor in some changes to your approach.
Master that, and repeat.
Enjoyed this article?
Subscribe to the Leadership Advantage Newsletter for weekly insights on breakthrough leadership delivered to your inbox.
Keep Reading

"So, how does it feel to fail?"
This lovely question was once asked of me when I was most vulnerable as a leader. In this issue of Leadership Advantage, we will talk a little about the underbelly of all success → failure. – Andrea Leadership Story: So, how does it feel to fail? It was January 2001. The first Monday after the […]

The team that changed how I lead
I used to preach that solo work was the future. Then I built a team I’d stake my career on, and it changed how I see leadership forever. Every leader’s real job is this: Build the best team you’ve ever been a part of. Anything less is falling short. So the question becomes: What would […]