What Makes a Good Leader? Here’s What I’ve Learned After 20-Plus Years as a CEO.

Views: 2081

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

What makes a good leader?

Ask any entrepreneur, and you’re likely to get different (albeit, pretty similar) answers. You might have heard that a good leader is strong, decisive, confident and honest. Or perhaps a “good” leader to you is optimistic, creative and forward-thinking.

After over 20 years as a CEO, I can tell you, my definition of “leader” has evolved over time. Facing challenges, resolving personnel conflicts, making mistakes and overcoming burnout will do that to you. So, while I don’t claim to have the textbook definition of leadership, I can share what I consider to be the essentials when it comes to being a positive, compassionate leader. And I’ve learned that entrepreneurial leadership crosses every sector of business.

Related: 50 Rules for Being a Great Leader

1. Set intentional habits

A leader is someone who is intentional with their habits . Whether you’re part of the “rise and grind” crowd or prefer a more leisurely pace, you’ve given thought to how you manage your day, your health and your business.

As an entrepreneur, my routine is everything — not because I require regimented time blocks, but because, if I didn’t set priorities, what’s important to me would go by the wayside. By setting intentional habits, I know I’ve created time for my physical health, mental health, family and leisure, in addition to the responsibilities of my business.

Without intention, we are at risk of falling victim to bad habits. Distraction and avoidance become our downfall. A great leader knows their priorities, directs energy to the activities likely to have the greatest impact and manages their time, not the other way around.

2. Practice radical honesty

I first learned about radical honesty in Brad Blanton’s book . And at the start, I really struggled with it. I realized how often I used “little white lie” excuses to ease my discomfort and avoid conflict. But this wasn’t doing me or my team any favors.

Through practice, I learned that radical honesty is about prioritizing transparency even when it’s uncomfortable. This doesn’t mean being brutally honest (you can tell the truth without hurting others), but keeping with open communication and vulnerability . Radical … Read More