The ability to lead others is one of those intangible qualities. It is tied to the ability to motivate, encourage and when needed, be forceful in getting employees to do their jobs. And being a good leader in business is the same as being a leader in life. If you don’t believe it check the bullet points below – theory and life makes here a good match. Leadership in business, leadership in life.

• First of all, a leader is able to make decisions in a timely manner cause is focused on action and present time. If weeks are spent analyzing and re-analyzing data and nothing is done with it, then what good is the data? A leader makes decisions, then acts on them. If, after a decent amount of time has passed and that decision proves to be incorrect, then the course of action can be changed. The point is that action has been taken and progress has been made. (Winston Churchil, “It is a mistake to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.”)

• Secondly, a true leader supports his/her people as being part of the team – only than the team is strong. If an employee gets called on the carpet for following the leader’s direction, then the leader has a responsibility to back that employee to the superiors. This will solidify trust between the leader and his/her people, and also confirm in the superior’s mind that the leader is committed to the company. (Genghis Khan, “One arrow alone can be easily broken but many arrows are indestructible.”)

• A good leader does not brow-beat or berate. That kind of behavior only leads to employees leaving for a more pleasant job. A good leader motivates by offering incentives and goals, and constructive criticism on how to reach those goals. Being good with people always brings the best results. (Franklin D. Roosevelt, “If you treat people right they will treat you right 90% of the time.”)

• Finally, a good leader is not afraid to get his/her hands dirty. He/she must be willing to work long hours alongside those being led. This is a classic case of the old adage ‘you lead by example’. (Indira Ghandi, “My grandfather told me there are two kinds of people: workers and credit takers. Be a worker, he said, as there is less competition.”)

A company where the leaders are decisive, supportive, and lead by example, is appealing to employees, and a good bet for being successful in the marketplace and in life.

Tags: Business, Employment, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Genghis Khan, good leader, Lead, leaders, Leadership