Do you know how to describe the qualities of a good leader? It’s easy to generalize, and hard to say specificities – after all, each person has their own characteristics. I was reading a topic in a Linkedin discussion group about leadership. The answers for the question, “In ten words or less, specify what it is separates a boss from a leader”, make a synthesis of our discussion. Here are some of the qualities of a good leader mentioned there, and I start whith a question: which you would follow if you were not required to? Do you agree with them?
Leader |
Boss |
1. Shows you how to do it and motivates you to follow him through his example |
1. Only tells you what to do |
2. People follow leaders because they believe |
2. They follow the boss because they have to |
3. Includes you |
3. Orders you |
4. Says “let’s go” |
4. Says “go” |
5. Demonstrates way |
5. Is “do as I say” |
6. Gives direction |
6. Shouts instructions |
7. Is a motivator |
7. Is a bully |
8. Leads by example |
8. Follows his ego |
9. Not every one can become a leader |
9. Anyone can become a boss |
10. Model |
10. Command |
11. You can choose |
11. You cannot choose |
12. Does the right thing |
12. Does things right |
13. Says “we” |
13. Says “I” |
14. I can go far |
14. I can go fast |
15. Leads the practioner and make future leaders |
15. Is practitioner |
16. Inspires you to do your best |
16. Demands you to put your best |
17. Shows the big picture |
17. Ensures implementation |
18. Inspires innovation and instills loyalty |
18. Ensures production and operations |
19. Proposes |
19. Implements |
20. Is generic |
20. Is specific |
21. Is at all levels of the organization |
21. Is hierarchical |
22. People follow leaders |
22. Boss says: “Confidential” |
23. Promotes transparency |
23. They work for their bosses |
24. Builds a team |
24. Builds a company |
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