What Makes Someone a Quality Leader?
Leaders see value in people and advocate for and with others. Having high standards for oneself and others can push people to achieve greatness, but they should not be too demanding or unrealistic. A strong leader will take the time to assess the character and strengths of themselves and those on their team first, before beginning to lead. Being vocal and helping people identify strengths and weaknesses to encourage growth is an essential element of a leader. Leaders recognize that every person has inherent worth and see the diverse, potential value for expanding their worldview and providing fresh perspective and new ideas and/or solutions through each group member. A great leader carves out specific time to form, nurture, and sustain his or her relationships both personal and communal in order to build trust and unity. Leaders remain detail-oriented and focused to ensure task completion, and while delegation may happen, accountability is expected back to the leader as well as from the leader. Leaders cannot settle for average; for better or for worse, leaders must find ways to push people beyond their comfort zones to be better. An enduring leader lives with a moral compass, so when a problem rises, he or she has a guideline to turn to which will ensure ethical choices and decisions are made.