What Makes A Great Leader

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER!

Below is some pointers for you to reflect upon

• Challenges me to do my best.
• Sets a good example.
• Explains the reasons for instructions & procedures.
• Helps me polish my thoughts before I present them to others.
• Is objective about things.
• Lets me make my own decisions.
• Cares about me & how I’m doing.
• Does not seek the limelight.
• Won’t let me give up.
• Gives personal guidance & direction, especially when I’m learning something new.
• Is empathetic & understanding.
• Is firm but fair.
• Keeps a results orientation.
• Makes me work out most of my own problems or tough situations,but supports me.
• Lets me know where I stand.
• Listens exceptionally well.
• Doesn’t put words in my mouth.
• Is easy to talk with.
• Keeps the promises s/he makes.
• Keeps me focused on the goals ahead.
• Works as hard or harder than anyone else.
• Is humble.
• Is proud of those managers s/he has developed.
• Gives credit where credit is due.
• Never says “I told you so.”
• Corrects my performance in private.
• Never flaunts authority.
• Is always straight-forward.
• Gives at least a second chance.
• Maintains an open door policy.
• Uses language that is easy to understand.
• Lets bygones be bygones.
• Inspires loyalty.
• Really wants to hear my ideas & acts on them.
• Lets me set my own deadlines.
• Celebrates successes.
• Is open & honest.
• Doesn’t hide bad news.
• Gives me enough time to prepare for discussion.
• Is enthusiastic.
• Follows through.
• Is patient.
• Wants me to “stretch” my skills.
• Gives me his/her full attention during discussions,& won’t be distracted.
• Has a sense of humor.
• Handles disagreements privately.
• Reassures me.
• Makes me feel confident.
• Tells me the “whole story.”
• Says “we” instead of “I”.
• Makes hard work worth it.
• Can communicate annoyance without running wild.
• Is courageous.
• Insists on training.
• Is a stabilizing influence in a crisis.
• Gets everyone involved.
• Wants me to be successful.
• Is optimistic.
• Operates well under pressure, or in a rapidly changing environment.
• Has a reputation for competence with his/her own peers.
• Has a good understanding of the job.
• Is tough & tender.
• Believes we can do it.
• Sets attainable milestones.
• Communicates philosophy & values.
• Is perceptive; doesn’t believe that everything needs to be spelled out.
• Has a strong sense of urgency.
• Preserves the individuality of his/her team members.
• Thinks & operates at a level above that expected.
• Wants to make the organization the best in the industry.
• Is willing to act on intuition; believes feelings are facts.
• Empowers us.
• Is there when we need her/him.
• Enjoys his/her job.
• Likes to spend time with us.

– From “The One-Minute Manager” –

– By Kenneth Blanchard –