When it comes to leadership, the wide variety of styles and approaches can make it difficult to identify who truly stands out. Great leaders, however, leave a lasting impression, influencing those they lead and the organizations they serve in profound ways. But how can you recognize a truly exceptional leader? What sets them apart from the rest?
As an executive leadership coach with years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to helping leaders reach their full potential. Throughout my career, I’ve observed that while leadership can be expressed in many ways, great leaders share a core set of characteristics that make them truly remarkable. My goal is to help leaders develop these traits, so they can lead with impact, inspire their teams, and create lasting change within their organizations.
Leading with Integrity: You’ll know a great leader when you see someone who leads with integrity, embodying honesty and strong moral principles. They make decisions aligned with their values and those of their organization, fostering trust and respect within their team. This foundation of integrity creates a positive and ethical workplace culture that resonates throughout the organization.
Inspiring and Motivating Others: Great leaders have the ability to inspire and motivate others, driving their team to achieve more than they thought possible. They articulate a compelling vision and rally their team around it, igniting passion and enthusiasm. Their connection with their team uplifts everyone and drives collective success.
Practicing Active Listening: Listening actively is another hallmark of great leadership. A great leader truly listens to their team, seeks out diverse perspectives, and encourages open dialogue. They make their team members feel heard and valued, building a strong, collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Embracing Adaptability and Innovation: The ability to adapt and innovate is crucial, and great leaders excel at this. They are flexible and open to change, embracing new ideas and technologies while always looking for ways to improve and stay ahead. Their willingness to innovate ensures that their organization remains competitive and resilient.
Empowering and Trusting the Team: Empowerment is at the core of great leadership. Rather than micromanaging, great leaders trust their team and provide them with the autonomy and resources they need to succeed. By empowering others, they create a sense of ownership and accountability, leading to higher engagement and productivity.
Showing Empathy and Compassion: Great leaders show empathy and compassion, understanding the human side of leadership. They care genuinely for their team members’ well-being, both professionally and personally. Their empathy fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel safe to express themselves and take risks.
Recognizing a great leader goes beyond their title or accomplishments; it’s about observing how they lead, how they interact with others, and the impact they leave behind. Great leaders lead with integrity, inspire those around them, listen with intent, adapt to challenges, empower their teams, and show compassion. These are the qualities that set them apart and make them truly exceptional.
Lead From Within: The essence of great leadership lies not in power or authority, but in the ability to uplift others, inspire change, and lead with heart and mind in alignment.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 21 Leadership Habits to Cultivate This Year
- How to Know You’re About To Make A Bad Leadership Decision
- It’s Never Too Late to Learn These 12 Powerful Leadership Habits
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- 5 Leadership Habits That Make You Look Unprofessional
- The Top 7 Leadership Habits to Avoid at All Cost
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.