What makes a leader is a question that I not only ask you but look to answer myself. I believe listening to other people’s perspectives, and ideas helps us see the world through various lenses that guide us to make better-educated guesses about life.
I’ll do my best to keep this short and look forward to reading all your responses. As a young worker, I used to think a leader was to lead by fist; basically, do as I say, not as I do mentality. In my first professional job, I was managed by people with that exact mindset, so to me, the expectation of hitting the workforce matched the actions of others.
A few years into my career, a lot of great things happened where the company I worked for merged with another, and something unique happened. The culture was completely different, and everyone was connected with purpose. It wasn’t survival of the fittest and every man/woman for themselves. Again, I’ll keep this short and leave out names to protect identities. Still, one individual shined as the leader and, although he wasn’t my direct manager, ultimately ran the entire Digital Infrastructure practice, Nationally. This is where I watched real leadership qualities come out. Fast forward 15+ years of having the pleasure to have been mentored by a great leader; the funny thing is, you don’t realize you’re being mentored.
So finally, what makes a leader? To me, a leader simplified in one sentence; is the ability to find people’s talents and provide them with the tools to enhance their gift. I’m thankful for the great mentors and leaders in my life. I’m even grateful for the bad ones that teach us what not to do!
I’d love to hear your story; what makes a leader, good?
