What Makes a Great Leader

I had a recent thought about what makes great leaders. Usually great leaders are born during times of adversity. Many of the great generals and presidents of the past have been recognized in history for their leadership when they stepped up to a tremendous challenge. Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War years, was a skilled leader who was a model for many of the traits recognized today in great leadership. He was a skilled orator and believed in the practice of MBWA (Management By Wandering Around).

Leaders of today can be great leaders in their organizations by practicing three things consistently:

Be Visible – That doesn’t mean you can create a Hollywood style video for your employees and customers and think your charisma will carry the day. Such media is useful for mass communications, but people still want the human face-to-face touch when times are difficult for them. Getting out into the workforce and customer locations is the most effective way to exhibit confidence and calm employees during stressful events.
Be Up Front with Everyone – Trying to mask the truth will only cause more anxiety and distrust in leaders. Telling it like-it-is is generally well received when people know you’re being honest with them.
Always Give Them Hope – Knowing that there is a light at the end of a tunnel and that it’s not a train coming will give employees and customers a sense that their efforts and trust in you are not futile. Hope keeps everyone moving forward.

Leadership requires aggressive individuals – those who accept a “take charge role”, but never forget to be human.

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