13 Signs You’re Actually A Good Leader

Are you a good leader… really? Would you put yourself on par with George Washington? William Wallace? Rosa Parks? Gandhi? Jesus?

One of the hardest things to do is measure our own effectiveness as leaders…especially when we have differing levels of influence.  Often we don’t have a way to actually measure how good we are.  That is why we compiled this list: to help you see if you really are a good leader.

Each of the people listed above (and countless other great leaders like them) have exhibited certain traits that underscore their excellence as leaders.  It is these characteristics that make them truly remarkable. Here are some of the most powerful.

So check ’em out and ask yourself, “How am I doing as a leader?”.

1. You Build People Up More Than You Criticize Them

Carlos Sepulveda, previously the CEO of Interstate Batteries, once said, “make sure you give 3 compliments for every piece of criticism.”  This principle is essential. If you are not building others up, then you are failing and limiting your ability to help them with constructive feedback. Nobody wants to be consistently torn down… they want to be built up!

2. You Don’t Fear Change…Instead, You Break The Rules.

If the idea of changing something paralyzes you with anxiety, then you probably can’t lead well. One of the core tenets of leadership is the ability to innovate, and innovation means change. A great example: tech founders like Jeff Bezos of Amazon or Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook who left extremely lucrative institutions to pursue something seemingly crazy!

3. You Ask Very Good Questions

One of the most powerful ways to bring people to their fullest potential is to ask insightful and pointed questions. Remarkable leaders have the ability to understand the problem and ask exactly the right question.

4. You Are A Great Listener

On the flip side, once a question is asked, a true leader listens with extreme focus and intent. Often people listen only for the sake of responding, but the more you can listen to understand, the more you can learn and, thus, lead.

5. People Are Encouraged And Moved By Your Positivity

If you aren’t positive, you just can’t be a great leader. Simple as that. Leaders are looked at to be tone setters, and if you are setting a negative tone then major problems will ensue. However, if your attitude infectiously encourages others, then people will follow you to the ends of the earth.

6. You Give Others Credit

Bad leaders are selfish and take all the credit for themselves. Fantastic leaders are selfless and give the credit to everyone else as much as they possible can.  Why? Because they know that is one of the best ways to love, honor, and motivate their peers.

7. People Have Fun With You

“The team that plays together, stays together.”  If your team has no fun at all, then you aren’t doing your job as a leader. We are all wired to enjoy life, and it is the responsibility of the leader to weave in those fun times as much as is needed.

8. You Enjoy Serving Others

Again, remarkable leaders are underscored by a heart of selflessness.  If you don’t ever go out of your way to help and serve others, then selflessness is not being exhibited.

9. People Listen To You

Great leaders capture people’s attention. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be able to communicate and inspire. Notice how a vivacious person can capture a crowd… it is a powerful tool to rally others.

10. You Are Empathetic & Actively Check In.

To deeply care for another person is truly noble. That’s why knowing what is going on in your friends/co-workers lives is essential. By doing so, you will be able to know them better, understand their feelings, and help build them up.

11. You Put Family First…And Others Know It

A leader can only be as strong as his best relationships. That’s why family–and family could mean blood family or very close friends–should be at the top of a list for any leader. Having that solid support system will help when times get rough.

12. You Inspire People To Change

The greatest CEO’s, Generals, Presidents, and Sports Captains all have this in common: they bring out the best in people.  As a leader, it is on YOU to inspire growth and lead people to have the fullest lives they can.

13. You NEVER Waver On Your Values

Without this point, a leader cannot be a leader. Without integrity, leadership is dead.  Since values define the path that a leader takes, it is critical to know them and cling to them.  Take time to focus on and define your values. Do research, talk with others, or go serve at a local charity… figure out your values so you can lead people in a direction that matters because that is what great leaders do.