Newsroom

Tip of the Week

February 16, 2022

Four traits of a great leader

It could start a philosophical debate.

Opinions vary when considering what or who makes a great leader. But you've probably had experience serving under great leaders or even had success as one yourself.

Presidents' Day (officially celebrated as Washington's Birthday) is the day we recognize and honor those who have led our country. (Of course, whether those leaders were good or bad could start another kind of debate.)

When we try to define what makes a good leader, perhaps the best definition can come from experience and, in my experience, one of the best leaders I worked with had these traits:

• Vision – The purpose the organization was well-defined and communicated to employees. The leader's message of the vision inspired employees and let them know how their work served a greater good.
• Empathy – Employees were more than just cogs in a wheel to this leader. The leader understood that employees' lives were sometimes filled with celebration, sometimes with heartbreak, and sometimes just with the mundane.
• Attitude – The workplace culture was positive. The leader recognized there were problems, but the attitude and work culture told us we had the ability and knowledge to overcome those problems.
• Humility – A leader is not always perfect – no one is or can be. The leader was self-aware, enough to admit mistakes and seek guidance from others.

Hopefully, you've had the opportunity to work with great leaders or become one yourself.

If so, there is no debate, you have reason to celebrate this Presidents' Day weekend.

– By Catherine Mueller

Subscribe to Tip of the Week.
To unsubscribe, click Opt Out.

Mapping Your Future^®, Inc.
P.O. Box 1017, Lake Dallas, TX 75065
(800) 374-4072