What Makes a Good Leader?

Anthony Soltero -

The traits and actions of a good leader can be incongruent with your initial ideas.

That was the case for me. When I tried to figure out what gave me fulfillment in my career, I focused on the wrong things. I chased shiny objects that didn't help me progress as a person or as a professional.

Putting the spotlight on myself was selfish and not helpful.

Once I accepted the burden of command and put others first, I realized what actually makes a good leader.

Here's what I thought would make me a good leader

When I thought about being a good leader I was concerned with my own outcomes.

  • Number of direct reports.
  • Architecting every solution.
  • Leading every important initiative.
  • Having my own, personal projects.
  • Having manager or director in my title.
  • Working with cutting edge technologies like ML & AI.

None of these are focused on helping other people.

They are focused on me and what I get out of being a leader. But that's not what leadership is.

Leadership is about helping the team win.

After I took the focus off of me and onto others, it was clear that I was on the wrong track.

What actually makes me a good leader?

A good leader does everything for the benefit of the team.

In doing so, they end up getting some individual benefits. But the benefits won't come until the team is put first. A good leader:

  • Trusts the team to own projects.
  • Takes ownership of mistakes.
  • Provides candid feedback.
  • Give away credit freely.
  • Writes things down.
  • Unblocks the team.
  • Checks their ego.
  • Lets others lead.

Being a good leader can be simple.

Ask yourself, "What can I do to help the team accomplish its objectives?"

Answer that question on you're on track to becoming a good leader.