What defines a good leader?

Nicole Dupuis

September 13,2022 at 3:15PM UTC

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What defines a good leader? In your professional experience, what has been a quality or trait that strong leaders embody, and has been lacking in "bad bosses" you may have had?

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AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 4:13PM UTC
Strong leaders are willing fight for you (promotions, equipment needed, etc.). Mediocre bosses stay in their world and avoid anything that may cause extra effort. Bad bosses seem to fight against you (shoot down promotions and equipment needs immediately even if justification is there). Bad bosses may also yell at or belittle you.
Nicole DupuisSeptember 14,2022 at 11:55AM UTC
amazing, thank you!
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 4:19PM UTC
Someone who treats EVERYONE no matter their position with dignity and respect. Someone who knows that we are all just a piece of something bigger and that its a collaboration more than a dictatorship, even though they know they have that position of authority they are willing to get in the trenches with their team.
Nicole DupuisSeptember 14,2022 at 11:55AM UTC
collaboration is key--thanks for sharing!
Barb HansenSeptember 13,2022 at 5:24PM UTC
Many bad bosses and bad people managers grow out of those who think that they are 'born to lead' or they magically know how to lead b/c they were promoted a people management role.
Being 'born to lead' or being 'promoted to a people management role makes me good people manager" aren't real things.
Good leaders are grown through mentorship and training.
Kristie WhiteSeptember 13,2022 at 6:18PM UTC
I agree. But mentorship and training are missing from most organizations - something I believe HR should be championing. The ability to lead comes from holding yourself accountable for the performance of those you lead and treating them as you would want to be treated.
Barb HansenSeptember 13,2022 at 8:41PM UTC
Agreed - mentorship and training is missing from many companies.
If you company won't train you, it's lucky that there are so many options these days to learn how to be a manager - podcasts, books, audiobooks, online classes, youtube videos to name but a few. :-)
Nicole DupuisSeptember 14,2022 at 11:56AM UTC
totally agree, thanks for responding!
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 8:10PM UTC
Listening, empathy and understanding
Nicole DupuisSeptember 14,2022 at 11:56AM UTC
empathy--love it!
Julie HumbirdSeptember 13,2022 at 8:37PM UTC
My experience has been that strong leaders make the success of others their priority. This doesn't only apply to their direct reports. Strong leaders support the success of everyone around them.
Nicole DupuisSeptember 14,2022 at 11:56AM UTC
we rise by elevating others--thanks for sharing!
Kathryn MontbriandSeptember 14,2022 at 12:30PM UTC
Ooh such a good question Nicole!
1) see their team as partners and embark on joint problem solving
2) act as an umbrella to deflect / absorb distractions and blame so the team can get their work done
3) enjoy being challenged and embrace diversity of thought
4) curious, always learning and seek to understand before arriving at judgment
5) able to see their team as human beings and not just employees who get a job done
Nicole DupuisSeptember 15,2022 at 11:48AM UTC
#4 I love, thanks so much for responding!
Jennie MontañoSeptember 14,2022 at 12:31PM UTC
The best leaders I have had have pushed me to grown and learn with the freedom to make mistakes. My success has been their priority.
Bad leaders are hyper focused on their own success and burn through people because they manipulate your work for the results they want and erode trust by gaslighting you. Micromanagers are just wanna be leaders
Nicole DupuisSeptember 15,2022 at 11:49AM UTC
We all need a little push, for sure. Sounds like a supportive push is the best way to go about it. Thank you!!
AnonymousSeptember 14,2022 at 12:41PM UTC
Ability to define the vision and objectives in ways that are easy to understand and connect humans with; great communication skills that keep everyone in the loop and set clear expectations for performance, culture, and attendance; empathy and knowing when to move around the rules when needed; willingness to work alongside the team (or out in front of); delivering feedback in a constructive way; mentoring and growing team members; giving credit to the efforts of the team instead of self-aggrandizing; taking responsibility for failures, taking care of problems and problem employees swiftly and fairly. Also knowing when to stand her ground and be firm.
Nicole DupuisSeptember 15,2022 at 11:48AM UTC
Taking responsibility is HUGE! Great thanks so much for your response!
AnonymousSeptember 14,2022 at 2:40PM UTC
Clear expectations, honesty, courage to do the right thing even in the face of adversity (going against the grain for the right reasons), empathy
Nicole DupuisSeptember 15,2022 at 11:47AM UTC
Going against the gran, not afraid to take risks, THANK YOU!
JJSeptember 15,2022 at 4:44AM UTC
Directness, clarity, confidence.
Nicole DupuisSeptember 15,2022 at 11:47AM UTC
ooo directness, good one. Thanks!
Gretchen SkalkaSeptember 15,2022 at 3:14PM UTC
This is a good one Nicole! I was just having this conversation on LinkedIn with a friend.
Empathy
Honesty
Respect
Those are my top 3, and what I've always tried to bring to each of my leadership roles.
I think so many others are wrapped inside or are natural offshoots of these.
I just think that, without these, you're not able to lead.
Nicole DupuisSeptember 15,2022 at 7:53PM UTC
Love this, thank you so much!
AnonymousSeptember 18,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
Without these I have very hard time working for them and will not stick around under their leadership. The lying the lack of respect are the worst.
AnonymousSeptember 18,2022 at 10:04PM UTC
If suggestions are wanted then really honor them if the suggestions work best for everyone. Being genuine, not fake.
Michelle HoffmanSeptember 19,2022 at 1:54PM UTC
Respecting people including themselves
Sincerity
Integrity
Ethical
Authentic
Encouraging
One who will push you in your growth without demoralizing and/or devaluing you