What Makes a True Leader Stand Out?

In the previous article, I shared that being a manager and having the title of manager or supervisor doesn’t make you a leader, and being a leader doesn’t mean you’re a manager. Management and leadership are two different functions.

So, what exactly is leadership? I think Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Facebook, put it best when she said, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”

Three essential aspects of effective leadership:

1. The first aspect is that all successful leaders set a clear purpose and direction for their people. They are very clear about what they are doing and why they are doing it. Great leaders believe in what they are doing. When you work for an effective leader, you feel a sense of purpose; you feel that what you’re doing is making a difference every day. You feel that your job is important.

2. The second attribute of effective leaders is clear communication. The most effective leaders don’t hide behind their desks all day, sending off a litany of emails telling people what to do and when. Instead, the best leaders get out from behind their desks and talk to their people.

When an effective leader communicates with you, you know what they have asked you to do and why. Their communication is simple, positive, and clear. They make you feel part of the solution, important, and appreciated. They show support and make you feel like one of the most important people in their team. And that’s because you are. Even when things aren’t going so well, effective leaders have the ability to make you want to commit to the task. They also have a knack for getting your feedback, asking you how you would solve the problem, and making you feel like one of the smartest people in the room.

3. Finally, the third attribute of an effective leader, and perhaps the most important, is that they lead by example in everything they do. They will never ask you to do something that they couldn’t, wouldn’t, or aren’t prepared to do themselves. They lead from the front. Their behaviour and output set an example.

Let me ask you, is your attitude, time management, emotional intelligence, and behaviour something that others admire and aspire to be like? Are you proud of the way you communicate and get things done? Do people feel good about being in your presence? If the answer is yes, then chances are you’re already displaying the attributes that make a great leader. Do you know anyone, current or past, who the world regards as a highly effective leader that doesn’t share these three critical traits? Write down the names of several people, either past or present, from any field or background, that you think display good leadership. What is it about them that makes them a leader? Take a moment to think about that. It could be someone you know, or it could be a historical figure. What makes this person a leader? If you were following this person, what would make you feel inspired to be around them?