What Makes a Leader?

Being a leader is not defined by:

• Having the highest salary
• Having a big title
• Having the most tenure
• Having an expensive degree or certification
• Having the most skill and knowledge in a discipline
• Having the most opinions

A leader is someone who:

• Motivates others without threats or coercion
• Can enforce the rules without pissing people off
• Realizes that you can't always make everyone happy
• Can discern between best practices and the best for the situation
• Can see and analyze conflicts from all sides
• Places the interests of the team above her own
• Draws out the quiet voices and speaks up for those who won't/can't
• Is willing to be unpopular but doesn't wear it as a badge of honor
• Owns his mistakes

In short, a leader is not defined by what you HAVE but who you ARE.

Funny thing is, I can't think of one single word that appropriately describes a good leader other than "leader." On the other hand, if you're a bad leader, you could be described as a jerk or a jackass, and the list goes on. Even if you're the boss that doesn't mean you're a leader. Being bossy is just an adult synonym for being a bully. A good leader shines with Honesty, Integrity, and Respect. Those only expose themselves through how a person approaches and reacts to a situation and the way they treat others.