Leadership: What Makes a Great Leader

Alibaba’s Jack Ma, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and Nissan’s Carlos Ghosn are widely regarded as some of the best leaders in the world today. But what exactly makes a great leader? Is it about knowledge in management or is it something entirely different?

Many people believe that great leadership is all about management skills, but they would be mistaken. Leadership encompasses much more than simply being good at managing. In order to understand what makes a great leader, it is important to first debunk some common myths about leadership.

Here are a few of these myths:

Myth 1: Great leaders can be trained – While knowledge is valuable, leadership is more about attitude. It is about having the right mindset and the ability to inspire others.

Myth 2: Great leaders only give orders – While giving orders is necessary at times, true leadership inspires actions. It is about motivating and empowering others to achieve their best.

Myth 3: Great leaders know everything – Although it may appear that great leaders know everything, in reality, they are constantly learning. They are open to new ideas and continuously seeking knowledge.

Myth 4: Great leaders never fail – The path to great success is often paved with failures. It is impossible to achieve greatness without experiencing setbacks and learning from them.

Myth 5: Great leaders work alone – While we may think of leaders as lone wolves, in most cases, they enjoy working with others. Collaboration and teamwork are essential qualities of a great leader.

Real leadership is not about macho posturing and dictatorial management. It is about inspiring others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more. As John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Whether in politics, business, or social causes, great leaders have a definite vision and know how to inspire and motivate others to help realize that vision. They do this through promoting values, encouraging creativity, building morale, offering guidance, and fostering initiative.

Take Mahatma Gandhi as an example. His determination, humility, honesty, and non-violence changed the destiny of India. His authentic manner and powerful beliefs led millions of people to follow and support his cause.

While emulating the world’s top leaders may be challenging, there are steps you can take to boost your own leadership qualities. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Treat your staff like you expect them to treat your customers. Lead by example and be friendly and courteous to your team members. This will motivate and inspire them to do the same with customers and other teams.

2. Step out of your comfort zone. To be a great leader, you need to challenge yourself and work on improving skills that make you uncomfortable. Seek the help of a coach or mentor to strengthen areas like networking or public speaking.

3. Stay up-to-date with industry trends. In the rapidly changing 21st century, leaders need to be aware of constant amendments, updates, and innovations in their industry. Seek out key trends to stay ahead of the game.

4. Grow yourself, grow your team. Personal growth positively impacts the team. Provide continual training and development opportunities for your staff. Take them to industry conferences to learn from successful individuals and promote a healthy team spirit.

5. Learn to keep promises. Credibility is crucial for successful leadership. Discipline and integrity are required to fulfill promises made to your team. Keeping your word will pay off in the long term.

6. Set inspiring goals. Outstanding leaders always have goals and aims they are working towards. Be specific about your goals and share them with your team. This will inspire them to assist you in reaching those goals.

7. Seek honest feedback. Listening to honest feedback, even if it is critical, is essential for improvement. Ask your staff and customers for their thoughts on your leadership style and be open to suggestions for building your effectiveness as a leader.

Becoming a great leader may not come naturally to everyone, but by following the suggestions above, you can progressively develop your leadership qualities. Remember, leadership is more about attitude and inspiring others than just managing tasks.