Traits of Great Leaders

Good leaders exist in every organization – from trailblazers with a vision to project managers who know how to run effective operations.

Then there are great leaders.

Great leaders, the ones who rise to the top, are forged by their ability to empower others to lead.

While we all have our own values systems that guide our lives and careers, I want to share a few leadership principles that have stood out to me.

1. Great Leaders Drive Culture

The way you lead defines your culture. And culture, without question, produces exceptional results. When you have a good culture, your team is engaged, they're motivated, they work hard to deliver the strategy, and they're dedicated to your shared success. They work together for the greater good of the company.

I know from experience that there is a fundamental difference between being a manager and being a leader. In my experience, it can be easy to manage employees who meet deadlines and expectations. But becoming a leader requires a different mindset – a mindset centered on people and growth. By fostering an environment that allows positive debate and opportunities for others to lead, you create more than a productivity machine. You create a meaningful culture.

2. Great Leaders Generate New Ideas

A few years ago, Laura Schumacher, AbbVie’s Vice Chairman of External Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, came into my office with a great idea. Laura suggested that AbbVie make a one-time $350 million donation to help a group of nonprofits advance initiatives that they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to do.

Now, I’ll be very honest with you – would I have thought that up myself? I don’t think so. But after I heard Laura’s idea, I immediately embraced it. Part of AbbVie’s culture is to welcome new and big ideas, and this was the definition of a big idea. This one-time donation would go on to have a significant impact on a handful of trusted nonprofit partners. Programs could expand, new initiatives could be started, critical support could be provided to communities, and thousands of families could have their lives improved, all thanks to the support these nonprofits can provide. And it’s all possible because of one new and big idea.

It is new points of view like Laura’s idea that allow us to look broadly at what we can accomplish. The more diverse a team is, the greater the ability of coming up with a broader set of ideas and solutions. And a culture where leaders are empowered and everyone feels comfortable speaking up, in my opinion, is the key to making a remarkable impact.

3. Great Leaders Want Others to Succeed

Someone once told me a story describing inclusion that really resonated. It goes like this – you can invite me to the dance, but if all I do is stand in the corner and no one interacts with me or dances with me then I am not going to feel included. At the end of the day, it’s one thing to be invited to a dance, it’s another thing to be encouraged to participate and even another to be asked for your recommendation on music – to know my ideas are respected and valued. As leaders, we must do more than just provide the invitation.

That’s not to say that there isn’t some level of individual determination required for people to become everything they want to become, but great leaders create equal opportunity for people to succeed and empower them to do so.

We have to make sure that we are doing more than just providing the invitation; we have to make sure that we are clearly allowing an equal opportunity to be able to succeed.

If you are like me, you have had quite a few leaders throughout your career. In your experience, what is the most important trait of a great leader? Let me know in the comments.?