What Does “Good Leadership” Mean?

By Linda Fisher Thornton

We need to talk openly with leaders about what “good leadership” means. Without those conversations, they might think it means making the sales numbers and meeting aggressive work deadlines, being knowledgeable when people come to them for help, or staying within budget.

Those things are all important, but “good leadership” requires much more. Just staying competent isn’t enough. The trend report below shows 16 ways leadership expectations are increasing.

Leaders are stretching to deal with catastrophic levels of change, increasing ethical expectations and information overload. Taking responsibility at the highest levels (even when it’s difficult) separates “good leaders” from the rest.

“Good Leadership” Means Taking Responsibility:

For thinking beyond ourselves to our impact on others

Staying competent – ethically, professionally, personally and in our leadership
Asking how we can improve
Improving how we lead based on our proactive learning and their suggestions
Never thinking our learning journey is finished

For serving as positive ethical role models

Modeling ethics, building trust, enabling the success of others.
Thinking past our own costs and benefits to consider the costs and benefits to others when making decisions
Demonstrating precaution, care and service
Seeing our impact as global

For improving society

Volunteering, helping
Making community life better
Making life better for future generations

For ethical intent and impact

Making sure that our intent is positive – asking ourselves if we have thought past personal gain, ego and power and plan to do something that is positive and mutually beneficial
Making sure that our impact is positive – taking precautions to ensure that our actions will not unintentionally cause harm

For open dialog about ethics

Asking hard questions
Creating a safe space for dialogue (not monologue)
Answering tough questions about ethical “grey areas”
Making ethical behavior a non-negotiable requirement

All leaders need to know that “good leadership” requires responsibility. If we make “taking responsibility” a priority in our leadership, we can do well by doing good works in our organizations and in our world. If we don’t, we’re taking a seat away from someone who cares and is willing to make a positive difference.

Learn about how to apply all 7 Lenses of Ethical Leadership (chapter previews below).

Join me for an ILA Leadership Perspectives Webinar today at 12:00 pm ET.