True values that make a great leader

I recently attended a business event in Sandton and I felt like royalty was being rubbed onto me. I was rubbing shoulders with millionaires, CEO’s, top company executives and renowned entrepreneurs. And all this was happening at the epicentre of the richest square mile in Africa.

During my interaction with the ‘whose who’ of Jozi’s business stratosphere, one thing became evidently clear – they all exuded great leadership skills.

Every community, company or country needs a good leader to ensure that everything is done in an orderly manner.

But what makes one a good leader?

While we are still trying to figure that one out, let us remember the words of John Maxwell who once said: “If you think you’re leading, but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.”

I believe that a good leader must be a good listener; a patient observer and someone who takes time to think of what to say to people. Leaders don’t just say things assuming that people will listen because of the power they hold.

You also need to be aware of your own weaknesses while using your strengths to empower yourself and others, thus improving the image of your institution. In that way, you grow to become a better person.

Most importantly, for you to learn, it is important to ask and also acknowledge when you do not know something. Although you are a leader in that space, allow to be led because that is what makes a good leader.

The fact that you have a team that you work with is proof that you need other people to do things right. Listen to other voices and consider other people’s opinions, even if they disagree with yours.

Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position. Leadership is about lifting other people; their hopes and vision to new horizons.