For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a keen interest in the hows and whys of human behavior. How did Jimmy ace that math test when he didn’t study? Why didn’t Jenny try out for that role she was so excited about? These were the thoughts that would run through my head in elementary and high school. I knew, even back then, that humans were very complex.
I accepted the idea that to truly understand a person and their actions, many layers would need to be peeled back.
At the time, in my younger days, this habit of deconstructing the motivations of others to better understand them felt more like a curse than anything else. My brain felt like it was constantly in overdrive – and it wore me down. I certainly didn’t see any benefit then, nor could I imagine any in the future.
It wasn’t until my late twenties, that I found myself quite surprised to realize that the observations I had made throughout this decade, both in and out of the workplace, played a major role in shaping my thoughts and understanding of leadership.
5 Thoughts on What Makes a Great Leader
Yes, there are many opinions out there on what makes a good leader, but as a Millennial – someone who inherently (simply because of my birth date) seeks a leader who will inspire – I look for certain qualities in leader, qualities I also hope to foster in myself.
Today I’m sharing 5 thoughts on what makes a Great Leader, to and for Millennials, and throughout all generations.
1. Listeners make the best leaders.
2. Sometimes leading is letting go.
3. Compassionate leadership is not a sign of weakness.
4. Psychology and leadership go hand in hand.
5. Failure is part of Great Leadership.
Winston Churchill said, “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure, without losing enthusiasm.” The ability to see the world as a place to inspire and be inspired, regardless of what comes our way, makes a truly Great Leader.
What are your thoughts on what makes a truly great leader?
Does it vary from generation to generation or are we all seeking the same thing?
The five attributes outlined are certainly vital for great leaders. In addition, they need to be very effective too by being great communicators and humbly confident in themselves.
Love your question and five points about great leaders, Heidi!
I think all of attributes you speak of would actually be what all generations would want in a great leader. I would add being non-judgmental is critical and keeping an open mind. When we make assumptions about projects or teammates, we can’t lead effectively and we may lose out on great ideas.
Thanks Heidi for beginning this great dialogue!
Thanks for the kind words Terri! I so agree about being non-judgmental. That would be the perfect addition to round this out!