Attributes of a Good Leader

What attributes does a good leader have/need? As I was asked that question again recently I started jotting a few things down. This list is not all inclusive but does cover a good portion of the attributes I believe make a good leader. If you’re in a leadership role, and most of you are in some way or another regardless of your title, how many of these describe you? Honestly?

• Knows that he/she cannot do it all by themselves. If so, you would not need people to lead.
• Is honest and trustworthy. If your people can’t/don’t trust you, you’re in trouble.
• Speaks directly. That doesn’t mean to insult or give someone unfiltered opinions, it means that you address the issue head in a direct manner and not try to talk around it.
• Is consistent. One of the worst things a person in a leadership position can be is vacillating. If your people don’t know what to expect from you then they won’t know what to give you.
• Is decisive. Indecision is a terrible thing. Or is it?  Lead, follow, or get out of the way is an expression I heard often in the Navy. It is never a good thing when a leader cannot do the main part of his/her job…make a decision and move forward. Decision paralysis benefits no one.
• Sets clear expectations, and follows through. Your people need to know what is expected of them or, just like in the fourth bullet, they won’t know what to give you. Following through is just as important as the set expectation.
• Seeks input from his/her people. When your people feel like they have a contribution to the goals they will take more ownership in achieving them.
• Doesn’t have all the answers. But he/she does know what questions to ask to get those answers and to lead his/her people to the answers.
• Empowers people. Give your people room, define the boundaries, and give them ownership of their job. You’ll be amazed at how many will rise to, and exceed, the expectations you set for them.
• Supports his/her people. If you want to bring out the best in your people they need to know that you will support them. When they know you have their backs they will do their best to have yours too.
• Praises publically. Disciplines privately. Self-explanatory.
• Focuses on the strengths of his/her people, not their faults. Too often the only time some leaders engage their people is when it is time for a correction. No one wants to only talk with their boss(es) when things are going wrong. And don’t be afraid to move a person into a role that is more suited to their strengths. They will be happier and more productive.
• And lastly for this blog post, a good leader is coachable. A good leader doesn't know everything. They haven’t faced every challenge they are going to meet. But if they are humble enough to be coachable then they will become better at what they are asked to do. LEAD.

So, as I asked at the beginning, how many of these traits describe you? And, since I am coachable too, what traits did I not list here that you think a good leader should possess?