The best leaders are the ones who make others around them want to work for the common goal of the team. They energize those around them…after leaving a meeting with this leader, others should be motivated to take action.
The best leaders don’t lead through fear or intimidation. They lead through admiration. If those who are being led admire who they work for, they will work harder for them.
The best leaders lead by example. They say and, more importantly, do the right things. They do not gossip and do not tolerate gossip from team members.
The best leaders show accountability. They follow through and “walk the talk.” If they say they’re going to do something, they do it.
They take ownership of things that don’t go according to plan. They do not point fingers. If they realize that they overpromised something that cannot be met, they admit it before the “due date,” explain why they may have stretched too far on their goal, and come back with a revised plan.
The best leaders are humble and quick to point to others for the team’s success. They do not take all of the credit. They are one cog of a smoothly operating machine.