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Good, effective, and great! Words to describe Leaders doing the job well! 

Good leadership meets the required standards, gets the job done, and is effective. Great takes it to the next level by surpassing expectations, adds value effort and leaves a positive, lasting impact.  

But, importantly, not to mince words, the key is to focus on the essential qualities of Leadership.  

In a time of unprecedented change in both society and the Business world, driven by demographics and technology, the need for good and great leaders has grown.  As the workplace and workforce have adjusted to modern habits and values, so too must leaders adjust to ensure their style remains relevant.  

Let's look at some core leadership traits; 

• Leads by Example. In words, actions and behaviours. Respect is earned; stands by values and integrity to foster trust and build loyalty.  

• Has a shared purpose and vision; inspires, motivates, and positively influences. Has the power to bring others along willingly. 

• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence, recognising one size doesn't fit all in ways of working. 

   

• Open Communication. Is clear and concise with open lines to avoid misinformation and misunderstanding. Skilled leaders communicate in a variety of ways to different audiences, successfully telling and selling the ‘story’, directly impacting results. 

• Decisiveness. Is assertive, with the courage to make hard decisions. Responds but doesn’t react. Is prepared to make mistakes and take ownership. Importantly, to learn from them.  

• Has learning agility, the ability to respond to unfamiliar situations; to know what to do when you don't know what to do! 

• Has self-awareness, understanding of self, including personality traits, anxieties, and emotions. This awareness and humility help to recognise your own strengths and weaknesses to be a more effective leader. 

• Proactively supports, develops and empowers their Team. Nurtures and builds potential future leaders.  

• Collaborates and is respectful of others' ideas, beliefs and opinions. Actively encourages curiosity and seeks input and feedback to engage, foster and get buy-in. 

• Shows compassion, empathy, and understanding when dealing with sensitive issues. Acts as needed. 

Underpinning these traits, Leaders must have resilience, humility, and accountability and clearly articulate and demonstrate integrity, purpose and values. 

These traits set the standards and if consistently practised, have the power to positively influence those around them.  

Examples of influential Business leaders in modern times include: 

• Howard Schultz (Starbucks) 

• Satya Nadella (Microsoft) 

• Melanie Perkins (co-founder of Canva) 

• David Gonski (respected corporate director, philanthropist) 

• Janine Allis (founder, Boost Juice) 

Are you the best Leader you can be? Do you need to strengthen your competencies and leadership skills? 

Is there potential in the room, aspiring, emerging team members who, with on-the-job learning experiences, mentoring and development opportunities, will become future leaders? 

Leadership and great Leaders can be developed. It's a journey, with a pathway full of potholes and pitfalls! Hanging in and overcoming those challenges provides the greatest reward by achieving earned respect, making a difference, and leaving a positive legacy. 

Great leaders cultivate great leaders across all spheres of society. If that is you, give back by mentoring and setting the example, whatever your industry, interest or career.