What makes a good leader?

Question

There are several sales gurus out there with different opinions to which single characteristic is the most important for any leader, some say it's someone who should have great communications skills or a vision others would die for.

Do you believe one characteristic rules above all, is there a set of them that makes the "perfect leader" or is it something deeper?

I don't think there is a single type good leader, many great leaders I've had in the past have not been the best at making tough desertions or have the "desire to serve a purpose greater than themselves".

What do you think? What makes a good leader?

Accepted Answer

A good leader needs to be well rounded. EQ, IQ, relevant experience in the industry they're managing reps in, fair and respectful, in leadership for the right reasons (desire to mentor vs desire to be a "boss.")

Answer

There is not one "silver bullet" that makes a good leader, but rather a well-rounded set of hard and soft skills. IQ and EQ both contribute to the leadership toolbox, but you have to refine your ratios of each in order to develop an effective strategy that will cause people to want to follow you.

Answer

I’ve found EQ to be the best trait, along with a desire to mentor. Leaders that genuinely want to help their reports be as successful as possible are awesome to work for.

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I honestly don't think there's a single universal thing that makes a leader great. There are so many variables, and what comes to mind is the fact that maybe someone is a completely fantastic leader in my eyes, but a tremendous douche in someone else's.

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The best leaders I've worked under have always been adaptable and leading the pack by example. Kindness, empathy, and a desire to share their knowledge are major influential traits I've observed so they can go on vacation knowing their team will hold it down for them.

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If I had to say one thing, I would say the flexibility to coach and direct based on the person. Too often I have seen 'leaders' give the exact same coaching, advice, or whatever it is to multiple people in different situations on their team. You have to be able to eb and flow based on what your team needs.

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A good leader has empathy and sees value in every person within his/her organization. They need to be able to roll with the punches, openness for change, and not have a "my way or the highway"-type belief system. A leader is inspiring and challenges all to be better versions of themselves for their personal and professional growth (which in turn will help their company).

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A good leader with awareness with the team about their needs and how to satisfied and a teamworker that is a good one.

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Best performers are not necessarily great leaders. They make sure the people around them are successful and also lead through example if necessary.

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I think a good leader is someone with both EQ and IQ and has field experience in what ever field he/she is leading people in. They are also vulnerable and straightforward.

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A good leader is defined by their actions, and separated by their dedication to guide the team to success, not bossing them around. Setting clear expectations, proper training and feedback focused on their collaborator's success and opportunities, and building a strong and trusting team, is key to success.

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There are many things but I think the biggest virtue a good leader should have is 'Empathy'. Empathy towards customers, their employees and all the people in between.

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I’ve had so many different bosses and what always sets a leader apart from a boss is their ability to motivate everyone individually. 
Not everyone learns or is motivated the same. I got example am a self starter, I wake up and don’t need to be told what to do I just do my job and do it well. Some people need a kick in the ass or a check in daily to talk stuff through with their boss - totally ok but when you do that to a self starter it’s micro managing and demotivating. 
The best leaders I’ve had realize everyone is different and leads everyone differently. Also treats everyone with respect.

Answer

One that moves obstacles out of the way of an IC to meet and exceed their job description which is to drive revenue

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Someone who helps others to excel and to grow, not just as a professional but also as a human being.

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Transparency, and not bullshit fake “I had a town hall” transparency. Someone who is willing to answer tough questions, and talk about not only what decisions are made, but why they are made. A leader who lets you behind the curtain when they can, gives you a glimpse into what can be a very different world from that of an IC. Bottom line, a good leader isn’t bullshit, they are real — so real that you would follow them anywhere and trust them implacably with your success.

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Loyalty to their troops. All that matters in my book. HAVE MY BACK.

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A great leader needs to be a great motivator too

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Helping build the process so the people can succeed. I’m a black & white kind of guy but most people don’t need a manager. They need the tools to succeed and when a leader builds the car people can drive towards their goals in, they’re the best.

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The best leaders I've had no how to adapt. Sales can be a fucking rollercoaster and there are days when they need to get out of my fucking way, there are days where they need to say "Let's grab a beer and talk" and there are days where they need to tell me to suck it up and really push me to be better.

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Simply, I think candor is a quality that exists in all great leaders.  While EQ and IQ are important qualities, it's the leader that can express themselves clearly and concisely that truly gets people motivated to perform.  This, above all, will allow an organization to rise to great heights.

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Best manager I ever had never finished #1 among other teams in the segment, but I'll always call her the best manager I've worked for.

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Understanding the role that they are chosen to lead. The best leaders/managers I've had have done the role that got them to that position.

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Ability to get boots on the ground and lead by example. Ability to coach, inspire and motivate. Ability to communicate clearly what expectations are. Ability to help their team grow their skills. In my opinion, good leaders develop more leaders.

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I don’t think there’s on particular trait that defines a good leader. However at the end of the day, a passion-filled willingness to support their people and seeking to understand is at the core in my mind

Answer

This TEDx Talk breaks down what 1) makes a good leader and 2) how we pathologically promote incompetent (often male) people into leadership.

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I honestly don't think there's a single universal thing that makes a leader great. There are so many variables, and what comes to mind is the fact that maybe someone is a completely fantastic leader in my eyes, but a tremendous douche in someone else's.

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I believe that a good leader needs to hold their team accountable but do so understanding that everyone has a busy day and extra busy day sometimes and this will be done but providing some latitude is important.  At the same time, when something is critical and must be done, make sure your team knows it and give them time to get it done - turning everything into a fire drill every time is inexcusable for a manager to do.

Answer

I’ve found EQ to be the best trait, along with a desire to mentor. Leaders that genuinely want to help their reports be as successful as possible are awesome to work for.

Answer

I’ve found EQ to be the best trait, along with a desire to mentor.

Kinonez

What makes a good leader?

56 comments

Kinonez

What makes a good leader?

56 comments

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