What Makes a Good Leader?
CPD: Leadership for Teachers (by Sam Strickland), topic 2.2.1
What Makes a Good Leader?
A lot has been made of what makes a successful leader. The kinds of characteristics mentioned in job adverts are often fictional.
The reality of job adverts
- If you look at any leadership orientated job advert you will see an array of superlatives, mostly focusing on being a superhero or superhuman.
- The reality is the traits expressed in most job adverts are a work of fiction.
Qualities of great leaders
- The very best leaders are authentic, humble, flexible, willing to learn from others, often experienced or show a propensity to learn very quickly.
- Most of all, the very best leaders are human and never forget what it is like to be one of the troops.
- The very best leaders have a deep understanding of themselves, both in terms of their values, beliefs, moral purpose, vision and values.
Test yourself on What Makes a Good Leader?
Which of these is LEAST important for being a very strong leader?
What should leaders have a deep understanding of above all?