By Kayla Logue
What is the real definition of a leader? And what is the result of great leadership? These two questions involve an answer for both individually but are a direct result of each other. As an author, CEO, and co-founder of Move Into Words, and a top producing agent for one of the largest land development companies in the U.S. I’ve been able to provide further explanations for these questions from my own research, studying leaders and personal experience.
A leader is a title or designated position where leadership is the actual act of leading. Someone does not necessarily need the title of a leader to demonstrate incredible leadership just as someone who demonstrates poor leadership may hold the title or be in the position of a leader.
A title is a surface-level identifier. Like a résumé, your job title is what is referenced, but what is meaningful is the body of work and the qualities that make you stand out. Without those qualities, your title means nothing.
The title of a leader means nothing if the person’s actual act of leadership is poor. And this is what I mean by a REAL leader. A real leader would never identify as one, no matter what their title was, without their “meaningful body of work” matching their output, systems, and motives to lead a team to a desired outcome.
A real leader is defined internally by their character, standards they hold themselves to, their ability to take extreme responsibility, and embodying these values in their everyday lives to be an example for others to do the same. This is the first and most important result of great leadership–there must first be an actual great, real leader.
Real leaders deliver results because of the strong leadership skills they embody. The qualities can vary depending on context and perspective, but from my experience and overall understanding, these are the ten qualities that I consider fundamental, effective and results of great leadership.
Inspired Vision
Under the guidance of a great leader, team members are aligned with a shared vision for the future. They are motivated and energized to work towards ambitious goals, knowing that their contributions are part of a larger purpose.
Trust and Integrity
Through the consistent demonstration of integrity by the leader, trust permeates the team. Team members have confidence in their leader’s character and judgment, leading to stronger bonds and a culture of honesty and transparency.
Clear Communication
Great leaders ensure that communication flows freely and effectively within the team. This fosters understanding, collaboration, and synergy, as everyone is on the same page regarding objectives, expectations, and feedback.
Empathy and Support
Team members feel valued and supported by an empathetic leader. This creates a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can express themselves, seek assistance when needed, and contribute their best efforts without fear of judgment.
Resilient Culture
Through the example set by the leader, the team develops resilience in the face of challenges. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, they view them as opportunities for growth and innovation, leveraging their collective strengths to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.
Culture of Accountability
Great leadership cultivates a culture where accountability is not feared but embraced. Team members take ownership of their responsibilities and hold themselves and others accountable for results, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to excellence.
Effective Decision-Making
With a decisive leader at the helm, the team navigates uncertainty with confidence. Timely decisions are made based on careful consideration of available information and input from stakeholders, driving progress and maintaining momentum.
Empowered Team
As a result of great leadership, team members are empowered to take initiative and contribute their unique skills and perspectives. They feel empowered to innovate, take calculated risks, and pursue opportunities for growth and development, leading to greater job satisfaction and collective success.
Loyalty and Commitment
Loyalty is a result of great leadership. When a leader demonstrates genuine care, support, and appreciation for their team, it fosters a sense of loyalty and dedication. Team members are committed to the leader’s vision and goals and they are willing to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of the team and the organization. This loyalty creates a strong sense of unity and cohesion within the team, driving collaboration, productivity, and overall effectiveness.
Continuous Learning and Development
Under the guidance of a great leader, the team prioritizes continuous learning and development. Growth opportunities are provided, such as training, mentorship, and constructive feedback, enabling individuals to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and reach their full potential. This commitment to ongoing improvement drives both personal and organizational success.
I’ve been fortunate to work for leaders that have embodied these qualities and have been incredible role models. I have also experienced the counter, learning firsthand the actions that have torn incredible teams apart by a leader who should have never been in the position.
Through these experiences and my understanding, I’ve been able to prioritize self-leadership qualities over time to continue to develop myself as a real leader. These skills are the result of my success as a top-producing agent and my commitment to building the strong team we are continuing to grow at Move Into Words.
We are all experts in our own experiences. We have the opportunity to learn something from everyone and teach anyone something new. We are all in this world together but live and experience life differently. This is a beautiful opportunity for each of us as individuals, especially as real leaders. Real leaders understand that growth, continuing to evolve, obtaining more knowledge, creating new opportunities for networking and effective communication, and receiving constructive feedback not only makes them more valuable leaders but also creates a more valuable and higher performing team.
Real leaders do not identify in their title as a leader. They show up through their processes, actions, and the results their team is capable of producing. They hold this responsibility to the highest regard. For this reason, real leaders understand that to reach a desired outcome, they are responsible for truly leading their team to success.
About the Author: Kayla Logue is a Non-Profit Founder, Personal Development Expert, Motivational Speaker and Author of the forthcoming book Always Squeezing Lemons (May 2024.)