What is Your Definition of a True Leader?

Have you ever asked yourself how you define what a true leader is? Not a textbook definition, but a definition that embodies how an extraordinary leader makes you feel? What behaviors stand out? What are some of their best qualities?

What made these extraordinary leaders extraordinary? What experience did they create for you? How did you feel, perform, and show up differently because of this?

After 25 years of partnering with leaders, I've seen the whole continuum of good leaders, average leaders and not-so-great leaders. I’ve seen the most extraordinary people with the title of "leader" who fully live and embody the essence of true leadership. I've seen the opposite--people with the title or status, but who do not embody or live up to the name. I'm guessing you have seen this too?

Here are a few qualities and behaviors I have observed over the years from the most extraordinary leaders, and how they treat their team members. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it is an excellent overview:

An Extraordinary Leader is...

1. Someone who cares about others' success and their well-being as much as they care about their own. They deeply CARE about their people and want them to be happy, healthy, and fulfilled. They make us feel cared for-body, mind, and spirit. They see your true potential and support you along the way. They care about investing their energy and resources into who you are today and who you will be in the future.

2. Someone who is always growing and changing. This means working hard on developing self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-honesty, and accountability for all actions. They are always working on some aspect of themselves and live with a deeper sense of self accountability. They are willing to be open and vulnerable. They highlight the people who are part of their successes. Contrary to popular belief, it is a good thing to share your successes in a constructive way! These leaders make us feel inspired to keep growing and evolving over time.

3. Someone who works very hard to be conscious and intentional with their words and actions. This means they not only know their values, they live by them. Their values line up with their goals, priorities, and decisions. They know who they are and what they stand for, which means they are great at setting boundaries, getting their own needs met, and asking for support when they need it. They show up intentionally and are very strategic about what they say and when they say it. We see their organization and planning and their appreciation for our time through their presence. We feel their thoughtfulness and mindfulness when they show up and communicate with us.

4. They are present when they show up. They know how to manage their competing demands, manage the external chaos and their own stress. So when they show up on a call, in a meeting, or anywhere with you, you FEEL their presence and full attention. You also do not have to be the receptacle for their stress and chaos. They bring us a sense of calm and order.

5. They speak honestly and candidly, with respect and thoughtfulness. They know their audience to best deliver any given messages. They are direct and assertive, and they know how to tailor and deliver a message in the right way for their audience. They know how to tailor their message and feedback. They make us feel heard and understood.

6. They create hope, inspiration and optimism about the future; even when they are delivering difficult news. We all get bogged down with day to day tasks: so do extraordinary leaders. But in the midst of the day to day, these leaders will remind the team of the mission and how important they are in achieving it. We feel inspired and motivated to contribute and engage.

In all of these elements of extraordinary leadership, personal wellness and an interest in the wellbeing of others are at the core.

I'd love to hear how you define extraordinary leadership! I invite you to share a story with me about how an extraordinary leader impacted your life and/or career.

Cheers to healthy leadership, Dr. Shanna

Dr. Shanna Teel & Co. is a leadership, talent, and organizational development consulting firm. In Dr. Teel’s career she has been a Partner and Executive in three leadership development consulting firms. She holds a dual Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology and clinical psychology; a post-graduate certificate in neuroscience and nutrition-science; and she has over 25 years of experience as a business consultant, executive coach, and facilitator of adult and organizational transformation. She specializes in the areas of executive and leadership development and coaching; culture change; neuroscience; and health and wellness for leaders. She is a registered yoga teacher and sits on several non-profit boards that promote healthy, conscious living and leadership.

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