What makes a good leader?

AFDAD2010
Tue, 06 Dec 2005 10:55:30 +0000

I think the Christian concept of a servant leader is an interesting one to think about. Leaders who by there actions, pave the way for their subordinates to do their jobs well, truly can motivate their troops. Maybe they found a way to get their people more services or supplies. Maybe they spent two hours cutting through red tape so as to be able to reward leave to an individual. That kind of thing.

Another thought that I have found (as a corporate leader) is that rather than just give orders (which I have the authority to do and which would be obeyed), I try to make subordinates understand why certain instructions are being given. I won’t always tolerate discussion beyond a certain point but I want my subordinates to think and understand why we are taking an action. This enables them to own it.

I also spend time getting to know individuals. I have one guy who works for me that is very outgoing. He can say something loudly and forcefully and it may or may not be critical. Then I have another guy who is VERY quiet – never says a word. Once, in a meeting, he said very quietly: “I don’t think that strategy will work.” Most people wouldn’t have even heard him. Knowing him however, I knew that that comment was the same as the other guy standing on the table and shouting “Danger, danger, warning, warning.”! You get the idea. Get to know your people – very well. Great question!