We’ve all experience them….good leaders and bad, but what kind of leader are you? What makes a good leader? Everyone has an opinion, but one thing I know for sure is that we must learn something from each one of them, be it good or bad. For it is what we choose to do with each experience that creates the leader we will become. Simply put, if you have a manager who does not provide any kind of feed back or mentoring, from this experience you should learn that a team is more responsive or productive with a leader should possesses these traits. If your leader is controlling or shows a lack of interest, you would learn that this type of style creates an environment lacking in respect and ability to promote. So you need to then ask yourself, “Is this the type of leader do I want to be”? If you are completely honest with yourself, I’ll bet your answer is “Not likely”. At least I hope it is. We have enough power hungry leaders out there abusing their responsibilities and roles. Here are a few things to consider when you get that chance to be “Leader That Makes a Difference”:
- Give more than you expect others to give
- Combine optimism and perseverance
- See everyone as a diamond in the rough
- Express appreciation, accept responsibility
- Keep you ego in check
- Show respect for the people around you
- Treat team members as family
- Be a source of inspiration
- Stress co-operation, not competition
Last, but certainly not least, always maintain a sense of humor.
