What Makes A Leader Stand Out?

As anyone knows who is in, or has been in, a leadership role, it can often be hugely challenging and at the same time rewarding.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some great and not so great leaders.

For me, the things that differentiated the leaders who stood out included the following:

    Genuine interest in others

  • All of the leaders that I admired when working in big organisations genuinely had an interest in others. They were often people who made the time to help others progress, learn, grow and develop. At the same time, they still set and expected high standards of performance.
  • Inspiring

  • I worked with one leader who, whilst highly driven personally, really inspired me and others to do what it took to get the best results. Their upbeat, ‘can do’ attitude really acted as a real source of inspiration. At the same time, they took the time to acknowledge when you had done a good job.
  • Sense of balance

  • Most people who are in leadership roles have a certain level of drive. At the same time they are able to keep some sense of balance. They are often people who work hard and smartly when in the workplace but also make time for things outside work.
  • Do what they do best

  • Good leaders don’t try to be great at everything. They know what they do best and build a team of people around them who complement the leader.

So what in your experience makes leaders stand out?

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to achieve success and realize their professional potential through being highly effective leaders and managers. For more information and to sign up for his free audio e-course click here

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

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