Have you seen these qualities displayed by our leadership?
Being a leader, the leader, is an important job and the job a leader does has serious and long-lasting consequences for the people being led. History is full of examples of the consequences of leadership, good and bad.
Common traits of a good leader.
1. Self-Awareness
Understands their strengths, weaknesses, and impact on others. Open to feedback and willing to grow.
2. Empathy
Listens actively and understands team members’ perspectives.
Builds trust by caring about people, not just performance.
A good leader understands and can relate to the feelings and perspectives of others. This allows them to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
3. Vision
Has a clear sense of direction and purpose. Communicates goals in a way that motivates others.
4. Integrity
A good leader is honest, ethical, and trustworthy. They lead by example, and their actions align with their words, building a foundation of trust and respect with their team.
Good leaders take responsibility for their own actions and decisions, as well as the successes and failures of their team.
Leaders have a clear idea of what they want to achieve and can think strategically to plan for the future. They can inspire their team by connecting their daily tasks to the overall goals of the organization.
Acts consistently with values and principles.
Keeps promises and holds themselves accountable.
5. Decisiveness
Makes timely, informed decisions—even under pressure.
Balances input from others with the courage to act.
6. Adaptability
Adjusts quickly to change and helps others navigate it. Encourages innovation and learning from mistakes.
7. Communication
Clear, honest, and two-way—shares information and listens well. Effective leaders are skilled communicators who can articulate a clear vision, provide constructive feedback, and actively listen to their team members. They ensure everyone is on the same page and feels heard and valued.
8. Ability to Empower Others
Delegates with trust, not control. Rather than trying to do everything themselves, effective leaders trust their team and are skilled at delegating tasks and responsibilities. This empowers team members, builds their confidence, and allows the leader to focus on broader strategic goals a
Recognizes and develops people’s strengths.
9. Resilience
Stays grounded during setbacks and leads calmly through crises. Models persistence and a solution-oriented mindset.
10. Humility
Willing to admit when they’re wrong.
Gives credit to the team rather than seeking the spotlight.
Ultimately, a good leader makes people feel safe, valued, and capable of more than they thought possible.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
The current leader – with all his faults – is much better than Biden or Obama. It drives the liberals crazy.
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In a republican democracy, few are left unscathed by the loyal opposition, many are burdened by challenges and criticism from those in their own party, and independents as well. Many bring much baggage to their positions. Some have significant personal failings.
In days when I led my small teams at work, despite my best efforts to lead, delegate, recogize, coordinate, moderate conflict, etc. I’m sure many found fault in my execution, but, … importantly, no one ever found fault in my intentions.
Politics is different. To illustrate, five decades ago, I learned that “federal budgets are moral documents.” That what you didn’t do, what you left out was deemed by some to be an immoral choice – especially, in a country as “rich” as America.
Unfortunately, in decades starting in the 1960’s, in all walks of life, too many Americans were taught to assume guilt, not innocent intentions, among those attempting to get the job done in search of what they believed would be an optimal result – today AND tomorrow. We didn’t call it “Question Authority” and “Don’t Trust Anyone Over 30” for nothing.
In recent years, even obviously successful leaders from endeavors prior to their top position in politics, folks like President Jimmy Carter and President George H. W. Bush would not meet the tests as described above.
Thanks for the textbook definition of the best qualities in a leader. I choose to think of those metrics as aspirational.
I a;lways did my best … many times committing 70 or 80 hours a week, leaving my wife to carry much of the burden at home. But, while we had many successes, some recognized nationally in our industry, I can’t think of any assignment or endeavor in my 55+ years of employment, where my performance met every one of those standards at their highest levels at any one time and for every individual assigned to a project.
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Al Lindquist
good response Jack–a very interesting read.
I wonder if Biden was a “good leader”–let’s flesh out the good leaders we have had–all I know is the border is shut down–DEI has hit the dust bin–taxes have not increased–Iran’s nuclear capacity has had a big hit and maybe we will see a measure of peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.
This guy is far from perfect but compared to the opposition it’s no contest.
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