5 Qualities of an Effective Leader

Two recent conversations with friends, one a retired Army Colonel and one who coaches leaders both centered around the idea that effective leaders must first learn to be good followers. Aristotle said, “He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.”

Why is this true? In the military following the chain of command is critical. My friend could not have been promoted to Colonel if he had not been a team player who carried out orders or had not watched out for the others in his units. A lone ranger will not make it far in the military.

In a company it is important for rising leaders and managers to grasp the vision of the senior executives and/or owners so that all are working to achieve shared goals. An essential trait to working in a successful, growing business, and especially in a great company, is to be a team player.

This is true in any organization. I am not saying a lone ranger cannot be successful – I am talking here about becoming an effective leader.

Good Character is Essential

Good followers respect, trust and value good leaders, qualities that win the respect of their peers and can put them in line to eventually lead. Future leaders also demonstrate their character by how well they collaborate with other team members, showing that they value, respect, and listen to them. They build the social capital and trust needed to inspire others to follow.

A lack of character and inability to work with others will make it extremely difficult for someone to ever be an effective leader. Are they working for the goals of the organization, or are they pursuing selfish ambitions?

For proof, think about effective leaders you have known. Were they individuals of integrity and character? Did they value and care for those they led? Were they consistent in their actions and willing to teach successful practices?

Compare them to ineffective leaders you have known. Was there a high turnover in their organizations because they did not value and respect their employees, revealing a lack of character? Were they bosses or managers who simply told people what to do without any guidance? These are common reasons why many employees today leave their job for another.

The best, most effective leaders I have worked with in business and in non-profits were people who valued others, listened to their ideas, appreciated their contributions, and readily gave credit to co-workers. They developed their employees to maximize their potential and/or become leaders.

Qualities of Future Leaders

This is not an exhaustive list, but these qualities are important in a good follower and effective future leader:

• Team player. Their commitment is to advance the cause and plans of their leaders and the organization, not themselves.
• Good listener. Asking questions and listening well helps to understand what leaders and co-workers are thinking, which promotes teamwork and positions everyone for success.
• Competent. Dedication and commitment to accomplish team goals is evidenced by excellent and timely work, whether done individually or as a team.
• Vision. Offering ideas to make the product, service, or process better demonstrates vision that is essential in a leader.
• Humility. This is where the lone ranger fails to become a leader. Good leaders and followers all know the team objective is more important than who gets the credit.

What are other qualities do you value in good followers and leaders? Comment below.

Tad Douglas Coaching

www.taddouglas.com

tad@taddouglas.com

502-265-5036