A Great Leader

What qualities must a great leader exhibit? Is it how they try to control people? Or is it that they give their employees what they need to be successful? The greatest leader that I know, ensures that his employees will have the tools they need to be successful. Having a leader who empowers people to grow and become great leaders themselves makes a difference in what a person can accomplish. As Grace Hopper said, “You manage things; you lead people,” (1983). Leaders who have the need to control everything are not leaders, but managers. These managers are very difficult to work under. A great leader to me has good ethical values, is an active listener, and shows appreciation towards their employees. The executive director of the company I work for is an example of a great leader. Over the last sixteen years I watched him help many leaders become exceptional leaders. During this time, he not only helped them, but he also worked on areas of his leadership skills. He has always been a great role model, and demonstrates exceptional ethical values. When making decisions, he goes by the …show more content…
He demonstrated to me his caring personality when I shared a personal story with him about why I wanted to have more than two children. He also confided in me at that time, that he wished he and his wife would have had more children. I discovered later on he had shared my story with another leader within the organization. I was impressed when he had paid attention to me, and that my story touched him so much. By sharing my story, I made a connection with him. As a leader it is important to make some personal connections with your employees. A personal connection helps develop a positive relationship, which then leads to building trust. Connections also lead to more committed employees who enjoy working for someone they have a good rapport