5 Immediate Ways to Know if Your Boss Is a Good Leader

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Years ago, I was a member of a politically charged executive team with each person pulling in different directions with opposing agendas. We were a hot mess.

While that horrendous experience was short-lived, it gave me a front-row seat to witnessing firsthand the leadership styles of each executive peer.

One of them was a prolific visionary with an impressive resume. His Achilles heel was his overconfidence, or, should I say... unfettered arrogance.

It came in the form of bravado, swagger, and positional authority that didn't sustain its influence. After a while, people began to catch on that the outward brash was only skin deep. It was really all about him, so he had diminishing influence and fewer followers.

What type of leaders do employees enthusiastically follow?

1. They own their mistakes

This leader breeds honesty and authenticity, admits their mistakes, and won't mind occasionally "looking bad."

In fact, their confidence may even allow them to be the source of other people's jokes at their expense. Why? Because they know that when you're authentic and unpretentious, others don't laugh at you; they laugh with you.

2. They seek wisdom from others

There is an old proverb that goes like this: Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Leaders with a loyal following seek advice or input from a trusted inner circle of mentors and advisors that will teach them, keep them on track, and move them in the right direction.

3. They intentionally seek to build trust

Any true leader will first build trust with their employees. In fact, it has been found that in healthy organizations, leaders with a servant mindset are willing to give trust to their followers first, and they give it as a gift even before it's earned.

4. They make their employees feel like business partners

Once you've invested in close relationships and built trust over time, these leaders will let their team members feel like they're invested in the business. They give them ownership and engage their workforce in an entrepreneurial way.

When people take ownership of their work -- like they're business partners -- employee satisfaction soars. They become loyal followers.

5. They reward and recognize those who fight alongside them.

Unforgettable leaders never fly solo, seek self-glory, or play for the name on the back of their jerseys. They will always acknowledge successes as a team effort.

These leaders understand human nature and will make it a priority to recognize people for their hard work, both in public and private.

Employees are more willing to intrinsically follow leaders looking to build them up and help them to flourish in their roles. 

Your turn: What type of leaders have you enthusiastically followed? What type of leaders do you hope to work for some day? Leave a comment.

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Continuing the discussion on the types of leaders people should enthusiastically follow, take the advice of Adam Bryant, former Corner Office columnist for the New York Times and someone who's interviewed hundreds of the best and brightest CEOs on the planet. On episode #98 of the Love in Action podcast, I sat down with Bryant, now Managing Director at Merryck & Co to talk about his latest book, The CEO Test: Master the Challenges That Make Or Break All Leaders.

Listen/subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Download

Highlights from our conversation:

• If leaders want to build a good culture, they need to start from the ground up. Company values should be addressed, discussed, and implemented at every level. People become cynical if company behavior contradicts its stated values, and cynicism can be cancerous to an organization, Adam explains.
• “You cannot tolerate the high-performing jerk.” Regardless of someone’s extreme competence in their job, they cannot be made an exception to the values of an organization. “If you don’t let them go [you allow] the cynicism to creep in,” says Adam.
• Adam lists the different aspects of leadership that lend to success.
• “I think American society is a pendulum that swings back and forth… I’m hoping [the pendulum] can get back to us seeing each other as human beings,” Adam shares.
• “Listening… is a lost art in our society… not only is it a superpower for leaders, but I think it sets you apart in your career," says Adam.

Listen/subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Download

Note: We're heard in 150 countries, with 50% of listeners in the U.S. If you'd like to sponsor an episode, connect with me and let's chat.

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• John C. Maxwell Says You Can Increase Your Level of Success by Making 3 Simple Choices [Read article]
• Warren Buffett Believes 3 Choices in Life Separate Winners From Losers [Read article]
• Here's How to Tell Within 5 Minutes If Someone Will Never Become a Good Leader [Read article]

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I'll leave you with this...

My team and I have created the ‘From Boss to Leader’ training course -- a virtual immersion developed to help new and emerging leaders acquire evidence-based competencies to engage teams and drive results. Watch this 2-minute video to see if this training may be right for your team. Then book your 15-minute call and I will personally speak with you to make sure it's a good fit. No obligation to buy anything. Let's connect and explore possibilities together.

At your service,

Marcel

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About Marcel Schwantes

Marcel Schwantes is a virtual speaker, executive coach and advisor, journalist, author,  podcast host, and syndicated columnist with a global following. His work has been featured in Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, The New York Daily News, CNBC, Forbes, and others. He speaks to audiences about the human side of work, and how cultures of care, connection, and belonging outperform the competition.