Empirical Letters

What makes a good leader?

Logging into my WordPress account I was instantly driven to a daily prompting question, ” What makes a good leader? I never thought much about what makes a good leader, nor was never fully interested in leadership until post grad. When it first came to mind, dedication rang with excitement and exclamation marks; Yes, an individual who is dedicated is a good leader. Through my non-satisfaction of that answer alone, I begun to explore other articles on great leaders and leadership; this is what I found.

Leadership is defined as the ability to inspire a team to achieve a certain goal. Based on a Forbes 2020 article, The Seven Characteristics of a Great Leader, an individual will possess these traits:

1. Genuity & Curiosity
2. Execution of clear & concise visions
3. Ability to Network & be Humble.
4. Producing Outcomes
5. Being Relatable
6. Humanity

I begin to cross-examine these traits to the individuals I’ve encountered and view as leaders. Each individual possessed some yet not all characteristics of a good leader. [This was based on the effectiveness of learning new skills and the overall connectiveness of each individual from my perception only]. I further cross-examined myself to these traits, am I a good leader? Furthermore, I questioned, who decides on an individual being a good leader? Does this leadership entail popular votes? How do you become a great leader? Does success and money make a good leader?

Despite, meeting only the few community leaders, I was able to find a google list of influential leaders listed by Fortune. This list was compiled of 50 leaders of only two that I recognized. The list ranged from researchers to athletes. These leaders seem to hold a worldwide significance in their works and contributions by creating processes and supporting various organizations. The list was indeed insightful creating more discussion to how people become leaders.

Unbeknownst to my small thought of leadership in my early life, I have now taken a different road/view on leadership based on my experience and new knowledge. Leaders are not just people who hold prestigious titles yet are everyday people. Furthermore, leadership is just not leading a group of people, yet it involves various interrelated parts. True leadership can take time and yes dedication. So, how are you being a good leader? Are you called to be a leader?

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