What does good leadership mean to you?

There are many resources you can draw on to understand what makes a good leader but you will find there are many varied opinions. In my experience, I have learnt the most from the poor leaders I have worked for as they have really emphasised what not to do if you want to be a good leader.

Below is a list of what to avoid if you want to make a good leader:

1. A leader who is self serving

2. A leader who doesn't listen

3. A leader who wants yes people that will not challenge their ideas

4. A leader who doesn't care about your career development

5. A leader that doesn't have your back

6. A leader that changes their mind

7. A leader who is more interested in being political than driving an outcome

8. A leader that doesn't communicate

9. A leader that doesn't practice what they preach

10. A leader that thinks they are the smartest person in the room

11. A leader that is more interested in being popular than making good commercial decisions for the business

12. A leader that is disconnected from the customer and consumer

Being a leader is hard, lonely and requires you to make difficult decisions for the good of the company, not individuals or divisions but the collective good. You don't always get it right, but you are focused on what matters most (clear priorities) and set the organisation up for success.

Being led by a good leader is life changing as you feel supported and you do your best work. The power of a team that is being led by an amazing leader that empowers, encourages and challenges is beyond belief.

As a leader you have a very important job - to coach, mentor, guide and set a vision for your employees - to get the best out of everyone. The power of getting people to run in the right direction, is unbelievable.

Everyone has worked for a bad leader and I hope you've had the opportunity to work for a good leader, regardless, make sure you proactively shape the leader you want to be knowing that your leadership will have a lasting impact on the company and your employees. Make sure it's a good legacy, one you will be proud of.

The Top Three 

If you want to be an amazing leader there are three key things to consider:

1. Make decisions for the good of the business - hard decisions that will ensure the business achieves the outcomes

2. Treat people with respect and kindness and take care of people - don't underestimate kindness

3. Always listen - understand challenges and people ideas

Determine what kind of leader you want to be and be proactive in creating this. Start by having a think about what good leadership means to you? Join the conversation online by Searching for Whiteark on LinkedIn. Whiteark chat with a chief every week to learn from leaders in their field so if you want to learn from experienced leaders tune into The Chiefs podcast series.

“Wherever you are, be all there.”

— Jim Elliot

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