Leadership is not just a position, it’s a responsibility that influences and inspires. In this Q&A, insights from a Senior Professor and a CEO reveal what truly defines leadership. Discover how leading by positive example sets the tone and why guiding with empathy and vision is crucial.
The qualities of a great leader have never been more critical. Leaders are no longer just expected to guide; they must inspire trust, drive change, and nurture talent. Great leadership hinges on a set of core qualities that empower teams to perform at their best while navigating challenges with resilience and adaptability.
Through our interviews with experienced industry leaders, it’s clear that these qualities serve as the pillars of effective leadership. Each quality not only strengthens a leader’s influence but also creates a positive ripple effect across entire organizations. In the sections that follow, we delve into these seven qualities of a great leader and how they shape a legacy of meaningful impact.
- Lead by Positive Example
- Engage Through Service and Communication
- Operate on the Front Lines
- Set Direction and Empower Others
- Influence with Humility
- Take Responsibility for Team and Project
- Guide with Empathy and Vision
Lead by Positive Example
Mark Smith, Senior Professor, University of Advancing Technology
Leadership is defined by being a positive example. This showcases empathy and care to build an environment of trust and respect. I always say great leaders don’t need charisma or some kind of “x” factor to be successful. They need to really care about the people that they lead. This care will lead to a working relationship built on trust, respect, and cooperation. The greatest leaders have their employees’ best interests at heart and put the employees’ needs over their own.
These are hallmarks of what makes great leadership. Not amazing speeches or rhetoric, as these are hollow gestures without that underlying care for your people. It’s a simple thing, but when your employees know you care about them, they will have your back and work harder for you when asked. They know you would do the same for them, and this kind of environment is what builds a successful and high-performing team.
Engage Through Service and Communication
Sasha Laghonh, Founder, Sasha Talks
Leadership is a two-way engagement that involves communication with vested parties at all levels, while immersing oneself through service. Knowing how to be of service involves a personality who’s willing to exercise their listening skills while remaining teachable in the process. This allows the leader to accommodate the circumstances they’re tasked to address rather than reacting to the fleeting needs of the environment.Â
Successful leaders adhere to a long-term vision while remaining flexible to pivot when needed to manage short-term challenges needing attention. A smart leader works alongside their followers and among their audience instead of referencing a traditional managerial approach. Leadership focuses on becoming one with the goal or mission rather than relying on a managerial checklist to complete a task. True leadership is a process of bringing people together for a common cause.
Operate on the Front Lines
I believe that the best leaders operate on the front lines. As an organization grows, this participation becomes less practical; however, you should still find opportunities to do the work. If your team writes articles, you can write articles. If your team crunches numbers, then dive in and try to understand the numbers and work. Showing that you are willing to do the work is a great way to show your team that what they do is valuable.
Set Direction and Empower Others
Vikrant Bhalodia, Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Leadership is about setting a clear direction and empowering others to do their best work. One of the most essential qualities of a great leader is adaptability, especially in the fast-moving software industry. Things can change quickly, whether it’s shifting client needs or new technologies.
We’ve found that being adaptable helps us stay focused on goals while also supporting the team through unexpected challenges. For instance, when a client made last-minute changes to a project, we encouraged the team to brainstorm new solutions, which not only kept the project moving but also boosted morale.
In my view, great leaders don’t need to have all the answers; they just need to stay open to change and trust their team to find the right path forward.
Influence with Humility
Will Ramey, Owner, Shared Leadership LLC
Leadership is the ability to influence a group to accomplish a shared objective. Leading people is a process involving connection, inspiration, and guidance. The process of claiming leadership and being granted leadership is built on trust within a team. One of the most essential qualities a great leader can bring is humility. When leaders see beyond their egos, let go of perfectionism, and admit mistakes, they create an environment that taps into the collective knowledge of the entire team.Â
Humility in leadership acknowledges the strengths of every team member and provides them with the opportunity to influence each other. When you open up about your strengths, recognize the strengths within your team, and maximize the collective experiences that your team brings to the work environment, effectiveness, engagement, and ownership all increase.
Take Responsibility for Team and Project
Oleg Malkov, CEO, MonsterPBN
I define good leadership as taking responsibility for both your team and your project. It’s a simple definition, but I find it to be very precise.
Sometimes, leaders become vain and view leadership as a status symbol—something to show off and feel good about. That’s where a lot of problems start. You work for a boss with this mindset, you detest them, and you dream of a day when no one will be your boss. Then, you succeed, and the first thing you do is try to show the world how impressive you are, unknowingly becoming the same person your boss was. Don’t do that.
Instead, remember that leadership is not a privilege but a responsibility. You are now responsible for these people and the whole project, and your goal is to ensure that the mission is accomplished and your team is happy. Both are crucial, and you’ll need to find ways to maintain that balance.
Some bosses see employees as expendable, a means to an end, without realizing that if you make an employee feel good about their work, they’ll improve, grow, and reach their full potential. Other bosses may be too afraid to critique team decisions, which can lead to poor products and services.
Finding that balance and fulfilling both of your duties as a leader is key to success.
Guide with Empathy and Vision
Kirti Poonia, Founder, Caimera
Leadership, for me, is the ability to guide, motivate, and empower others towards a common goal while fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. A great leader not only sets a vision but also motivates their team to embrace that vision and contribute their unique strengths.
I think vision, stability, and empathy are important qualities in a leader. But the most important one is empathy. Understanding and valuing the perspectives and feelings of team members help create a supportive atmosphere where individuals feel heard and valued. This fosters open communication, encourages collaboration, and enhances overall team performance. Empathetic leaders can navigate challenges more effectively as they build strong relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging within their teams.
In conclusion, the qualities of a great leader extend beyond skill and strategy—they lie in the ability to guide with empathy, integrity, and vision. As seen through the insights of these accomplished leaders, true leadership empowers others, builds trust, and drives collective success. Whether you’re aspiring to lead or looking to enhance your leadership, cultivating these essential qualities can pave the way to meaningful, lasting impact.
