This Is What Leadership Looks Like

One of the things that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus is leadership. Much has been written about it and the word ‘leader’ is now casually used to describe anyone at the top of a hierarchy. This has been the case for a while, to the point where groups of senior managers self appoint themselves as the ‘leadership team’, when often they don’t come close. This is because actually providing consistent leadership is extremely difficult to do and — if we’re being honest here — some people are better at doing it than others.

I have some empathy for people who are promoted to positions where they are expected to provide leadership without ever receiving the insights or coaching in the sacrifices they need to make to put themselves in service to others and the requirement on them to continually be at the top of their profession.

Many recoil from leading and settle into a technical management role that they’re more comfortable with, whilst others see the role as a position of power and try to impose their will on others. There is a fine line between leadership and ego trip and many people in positions of authority struggle to see it, choosing control over trust, lies over truth and personal gain over team acclaim.

So what does leadership, practically, look like. Below is a short list of characteristics I believe great leaders display. How many do you see from your leader or, if you manage people, practice yourself?

• They have a clear vision and strategy — and can communicate it
• They are good at their job, but take advice from experts when required
• They elevate and protect the people around them
• They are honest and transparent in their dealings at all times
• When they make mistakes they own up to them and learn
• Trust is assumed, it never has to be earned
• They build inclusive, collaborative cultures of safety not fear
• They build systems and process that support productive work
• They see value in building relationships
• They make time for people and are empathetic listeners
• They set expectations clearly and hold people to them
• They communicate in different ways to ensure that messages are understood
• They take an appropriate level of risk to maintain performance
• They make decisions and can explain the reasoning behind them
• They are respectful of all humans and their belief systems
• They work hard to stay relevant — both technically and emotionally
• They are visible and ‘get their hands dirty’ when required
• They motivate and inspire others to do good
• They ensure that results are delivered and that the achievements of others are celebrated.

In my entire working life I know a handful of people who were able to do these things consistently because being a leader is tough and requires constant effort. The people that do it leave a lasting impression on all those that work with them and create a legacy that others aspire to. They recognise that leadership is a choice to make a positive difference to people’s lives, not a position on a structure chart, and work hard to fulfil the faith that people place in them.

So, how is your leader doing? Are they behaving like a leader? Do you recognise and appreciate effective leadership when you do have it? What would you add to this list?

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