Are You a Good Leader?

While I’ve written about leadership in the past (see links under “Suggested Resources” to view previous posts) today’s post focuses on the kind of leader you want to be. In a sense, we are all leaders to some degree; however, those qualities may be more present in certain areas of your life, whether it may be in your job, with your family/friends, within your community, or other personal situations. I want to focus on not only if you are a leader, but are you a good leader?

To that end, please review the following questions to help determine the intent and motivation behind the type of leader you are or that you hope to be:

1. How do you identify and deal with bad habits?
2. How often do you speak or express your opinion in meetings?
3. Do you depend on the praise of others to keep you going?
4. In what situations have you been a peacemaker?
5. How do you respond when someone challenges your position?
6. Do you tell the truth?
7. How are your time management skills?
8. Can you turn disappointment into an opportunity?
9. Do people trust you with difficult or sensitive matters?
10. How do you respond to criticism?
11. Is your mood generally optimistic?
12. Can you forgive?
13. Is it easy for you to delegate?
14. Do you have short-term and long-term goals?
15. Are you able to successfully manage multiple projects?
16. Are you at ease in the presence of strangers?
17. Can you anticipate how your words will affect someone?
18. Do you readily gain the cooperation of others?
19. To what degree do you think independently?
20. Are you genuinely interested in people and in helping them succeed?

That last question is especially important, so in closing, let me leave you with the words of Pat Williams, VP of the NBA’s Orlando Magic:

“Great leaders have a heart for people.

They take time for people.

They view people as the bottom line,

not as a tool to get to the bottom line.”

What are your thoughts? Do you have additional questions to include or any personal stories you are willing to share? Please feel free to ask questions or share your experiences below.

Suggested Resources

• 9 Signs You’re a Leader
• Are You a Better Manager or Leader?
• Why Would Someone Want to be a Leader?
• My leadership blog posts:
  • Leading by Serving
  • Tribal Culture and Leadership
  • Being a Leader Instead of a Boss
  • The Power of Positive Leadership

Jeremy S. joined Empathia in 2007 as Manager, Client Care Services and currently serves as Account Manager/Sales Consultant. He is also a certified wellness and tobacco cessation coach. Jeremy has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Organizational Development. Prior to joining Empathia, he spent 14 years in the EAP industry in a variety of managerial/leadership roles at another behavioral healthcare organization. Jeremy enjoys reading, photography, music and spending time with his wife and daughters.