A boss creates fear, a leader confidence. A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes. A boss knows all, a leader asks questions. A boss makes work drudgery, a leader makes it interesting.
—Russell H. Ewing

Last week we discussed employee satisfaction levels, servant leadership, and “worst leadership behaviors to avoid”.  Today we’ll provide a list of desired leadership skills and abilities that our clients have shared with us over the years:

  • Great leaders are great listeners. They listen so closely that others feel that they’ve been heard.
  • Great leaders genuinely care about their staff’s careers not just performing a task. They show this by having one-on-ones that focus on their staff or even their peers and by providing mentoring and coaching.
  • Great leaders understand different types of people and how to treat each one as unique and special. They understand and respect if some individuals need space to think and plan.
  • Great leaders stretch their people to excellence.
  • Great leaders are in the boat with you and have compassion for the things you’re experiencing. You can feel their involvement and they make themselves visible during difficult times.
  • Great leaders truly feel PEOPLE really come first because of their actions, not just by what they say but rather by what they do.
  • Great leaders paint and clarify the vision.
  • Great leaders are inspirational and motivate others.
  • Great leaders reward, recognize, train, and create promotional opportunities.
  • Great leaders manage conflict and differences to help individuals and organizations grow.
  • Great leaders are consistent.
  • Great leaders lead by example and focus on the big picture.

We’ll also add one component that we view as essential: TRUST. As Patrick Lencioni says, trust is the foundation for success.

This list could certainly be added to, but are there any that you disagree with? Let us know!