Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous exceptional leaders, alongside a select few whose ascension to leadership roles remains perplexing. I believe your professional journey may reflect similar experiences.

What do I value in a leader? There are numerous adjectives that aptly define the characteristics of an ideal leader; however, as someone who appreciates the structure of lists, I have meticulously selected ten words or phrases that, in my view, most effectively embody the essence of my ultimate leader.

TEAM-ORIENTED

January is the month where the work I completed in the final months of last year sets the stage for a productive and seamless experience or presents challenges that I’m ready to tackle. With an effective leader by my side, I never feel isolated; they proactively engage by asking, “How can I help?” and offer insightful suggestions to confidently navigate any situation at hand.

COMPASSIONATE

It’s comforting to have a leader who truly understands your experiences. We all face challenges and setbacks at various points in our lives, which can make you wonder if you’re truly learning from them. A great leader not only uplifts you during those difficult moments but also shares their own struggles, making it clear that you are not alone in your feelings. This empathy is a key quality of effective leadership.

ACCOUNTABLE

During my time in college, I encountered a supervisor who exercised authoritarian control over the subordinates, making it abundantly clear that we were merely instruments utilized for task completion. When issues arose, this individual swiftly shifted any semblance of accountability from themselves to one of us. An effective leader embraces responsibility for their team and strives to cultivate a unified and proficient group. Their failures reflect upon the leader, thereby creating an intrinsic motivation to be accountable not only to their superiors but also to their team.

INSPIRING

Winston Churchill faced the formidable challenge of guiding Britain and the Allied powers through World War II against the Nazis. His unyielding spirit, profound wisdom, and steadfast perseverance were instrumental in safeguarding democracy globally. His exceptional oratory skills and capacity to galvanize the nation remained among his most significant strengths. In any professional setting, the ability to motivate excellence through effective leadership is of paramount importance.

Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.

Winston Churchill

A GREAT COMMUNICATOR

Conveying a thought or idea to a team and striving for excellence together requires the incredible skill of helping a colleague vividly visualize the concept while fully embracing their essential role in its execution and success. As actor-turned-US President Ronald Reagan brilliantly demonstrated, a passionate and purposeful communication style can turn the seemingly impossible into a breathtaking reality.

Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying your way. 

Ronald Reagan

RESPONSIVE

How often do you enter a one-on-one or annual review with your supervisor, only to leave with a sense of being disregarded? It frequently appears that your insights hold little significance—almost as if they had preordained their decisions, despite feigning an interest in your feedback.

A great leader does more than listen; they celebrate the unique talents each of us possesses and collaborate with us to harness them for greater success. When challenges arise, they stand alongside us, ready to tackle the issue together… titles are just details in the journey of teamwork.

COMPETENT

Now and again, you move into a position where you just get the feeling you know more about what’s going on than your supervisor. Normally a situation such as that is short-lived, as the person’s lack of competence is soon revealed. Demonstrating competence in their position instills confidence in a leader’s direct reports, making the working environment productive and stable.

RESPECTFUL

It’s tough to feel like a superstar when you’re treated like Rodney Dangerfield on a nine-to-five loop, getting no respect whatsoever! But throw in a leader who actually gets it, and suddenly you’re ready to channel your inner overachiever, performing better than a cat on a Roomba—because hey, when you know your boss appreciates you, it’s like getting a gold star for just showing up!

APPROACHABLE

On one hand you have the boss that sends a clear message that they don’t want to be disturbed…ever. Then you have the boss who touts their door is always open, to a point you’re ready to close it yourself. A good leader finds the happy medium where (in the words of .38 Special) they hold on loosely, but don’t let go. You can succeed without ever feeling alone.

FORWARD-THINKING

I find it laughable to label most leaders as “visionary.” Real strength lies not in lofty titles but in the ability to spot problems before they explode or recognize a need that hasn’t even crossed others’ minds yet. This foresight doesn’t just empower individual leaders; it creates a formidable team that’s united and ready to conquer challenges. In this relentless, breakneck world we live in, such a mindset isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity for businesses that aim to stay ahead of the pack.

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So, there you have it! Ten of my most applicable words and phrases that embody the remarkable traits of great leaders. What powerful adjectives have I overlooked in this celebration of leadership? Are you embracing the spirit of a great leader? What sage advice would you impart to those who aspire to reach that pinnacle of excellence? I invite you to share your thoughts in our comment section!