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It’s Only Common Sense: What Makes a Great Leader?

Great leaders make things happen, inspire others to follow their mission, and don’t force people to do things. Great leaders don’t create “followers,” but rather they develop mini-leaders who exponentially push the common vision to their followers, thereby creating more mini-leaders. Now, everyone in the organization has their collective eyes on the prize. In this way, true leaders accomplish great things.

Here are some characteristics to look for in great leaders:

Great leaders keep it simple. They have a clear and inspiring vision for the future. They simplify and identify the key ideas that make up their vision. They know how to relate that vision in ways that everyone can understand. In the end, they eliminate confusion.

Great leaders have integrity. This is vitally important. When you think about the power that a true leader emanates, integrity is critical. When an acknowledged leader speaks, their voice is at least five times louder than anyone else’s. What they say is carried and repeated throughout the organization.

Great leaders empower and delegate to their team members. They don’t waste time trying to handle everything themselves. They allow their team members to learn and grow, even letting them have the comfort of trial and error and learning from their mistakes.

Great leaders are empathetic. They understand and truly care about the needs and feelings of their team members, always showing compassion and support. They are always nurturing their team members, encouraging them to find ways to be better. They know that, in the end, the better and stronger their team members are, the better the team will be and the more it will accomplish.

Great leaders are confident. They lead their team with a confidence that is infectious and contagious. They are confident enough to hire strong people to work for them. They are not threatened by smart and strong people. They are smart and confident enough to know that the better the team members, the better the team.

Great leaders are accountable. They know that the buck really does stop with them. They shoulder the responsibility when something goes wrong, and are always willing to share the success when things go right.

Great leaders are generous and collaborative. They have a “we’re all in this together” attitude with everything they do. They use words like “us,” “ours,” and “we’ll,” but never words like “me” and “I.” Even if they are the leader, they are also a teammate.

Great leaders are adaptable. Now matter what’s going on, they will always find a way to adapt. You’ll never here a leader talk about things like “policy” and “we’ve always done it that way” when someone comes up with a new idea that is counter to what they had done before. They have an open mind and are willing to try new things if it makes sense.

Great leaders have boundless energy and enthusiasm. They are always ready to investigate something new. They are constantly curious.

Great leaders build teams. They are always searching, seeking for the best people to add to their team. They are willing to invest in the future by finding and hiring the right person, someone who makes the team stronger. They are willing to invest in a person even if they don’t have an immediate need.

Great leaders are decisive. They can make timely decisions on the spot. They are prepared mentally to handle tough situations and make the right decisions at the right time. It’s not because they are rash or careless, but rather because they are always prepared. Their focus is always on the goal. They have an innate understanding of their mission and, therefore, a strong sense of what works and what doesn’t.

Great leaders are humble. They are not arrogant. They are always approachable. They even acknowledge their limitations and are open to learning from others. In fact, they are always looking for learning opportunities no matter where they come from.

To spot a true leader, look for these characteristics in their actions and behaviors. Consider how they interact with their team, handle challenges, communicate their vision, and promote growth and development among their followers. Keep in mind that leadership is not about holding a particular position or title but about the impact and influence an individual has on others. Do you see these characteristics in yourself? Are you a true leader? Think about it.

It’s only common sense.

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group.