Leadership – The Good and the Bad
Anyone can be a leader, all it takes is followers. Leadership is about people serving people – it’s about influence. How a leader influences their follows is key to what makes a good leader vs. a “bad” leader. The answer lies in why people are following a particular leader, because they have to or because they want to.
Everyone can learn how to be a good leader and while many may not know what exactly makes a good leader, most know the qualities of a “bad†leader. Some of the most common characteristics that come to mind when we think of “bad†leaders include:
- Does not provide valuable feedback
- Is never available
- Does not define goals/objectives
- Does not motivate team
- Does not delegate
- Does not lead by example
- Hurries recruitment
- Micromanages
- Steals credit and lays blame
- And will not take responsibility
There are countless more negative qualities but avoiding the common negative characteristics should be the foundation for any good leader. While we all may have had a boss that was a poor leader, it is also worth considering that the worst leaders are put into positions they are outright unprepared for. While an individual may be successful in a particular area and promoted for their outstanding work or equivalent achievement(s), many are not prepared to excel as good leaders. Leadership is a choice, a conscious decision, and an important one. Some put their title before being a leader, others put being a leader before their title, and some entirely assume the role.
Inside the business world, leaders often possess varying skill sets and qualities for fields, roles, and jobs. However, it is essential to recognize the difference between leaders and managers in the business. Managers are ultimately responsible for the well-being of the business and its functions, projects, subordinates, rules, etc.; conversely, leaders are concerned about people, followers, and challenging the status quo themselves. Managers vie for outcomes; leaders strive for their visions. A manager can become a leader, and the first step towards doing so is the changing of focus in five various areas of critical thinking:
- Forward looking – Where are we going?
- Prioritize – How are we going to get there?
- Quality – What differentiates us?
- Continual learner – Grows and develops self and others.
- Problem solver – Collaboratively develops new solutions, gives followers the best opportunity express their character strengths everyday.
Fundamentally, there is a foundation for combining leadership with managerial positions, but to do so and become a leader requires leadership knowledge and development. Knowing and recognizing what qualities can make a good leader, but more importantly, avoiding those that mark a bad leader. Leadership is about people, how you influence people to follow you determines
References
Advanced Controller and CFO Skills: Leadership Styles; Change Management. e-book, Durham, NC, Association of International Certified Public Accountants, 2021.
