What Makes A Great Leader?
- John Foley
- Oct 6, 2014
- 2 min read
The question “what makes a great leader” is something that has been written about by many others, but it’s a question I get asked all the time. The answer is expansive, and on a deep level it relates back to the entire journey of High Performance and continuous improvement. But here are 3 takeaways that can give even experienced leaders a new perspective.
Great Leaders Inspire
Great leaders inspire excellence in those around them. They can recognize potential in their followers that those individuals don’t even see themselves. They are able to focus on results, and at the same time, see the situation that created those results. Understanding this concept comes with so many benefits. Trust, respect and buy-in—which so many of us strive for—are all effects that an inspirational leader can have. The key motion is a pull, not a push.
Great Leaders Create Opportunity
When I was advancing in the NAVY, I was never given new responsibilities, I was given new opportunities. The way it works is, if you’re good on little things, you get trusted with big things. This builds over time until you find yourself in a place beyond what you even imagined. Again, this approach creates a pull, instead of a push. It allows individuals to play to their strengths. Who wouldn’t want to be in charge of a team that’s engaged, and every person is working hard at something they do best?
Great Leaders are Calm Under Crisis
When I reflect on this point, I think of my Boss on The Blue Angels, Greg Wooldridge. Boss (as the Blue Angels’ leader is called) was an absolute master at this, and it’s one of the reasons they brought him back to lead the Blues for 3 separate tours (he remains the only 3-peat Boss!) When you’re up there in the sky, the maneuvers may look seamless, but when you’re in the cockpit, things are different. There’s turbulence, g-force and a whole host of very real challenges. It’s an inherently unforgiving environment that demands focused attention. Even in times of extreme stress, Boss’ calm demeanor on the radio, and consistent pacing of the show allowed our minds to settle in on the task at hand. Great leaders may be churning on the inside, but they are calm on the outside.
Until Next Time, Glad To Be Here!
~Gucci
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