One benefit to having lived a few decades is experience. I have worked under and for many people. I have my list of good qualities in a leader and those qualities that make a leader bad. Experience has shown me that a good leader can become a bad leader and a bad leader can become a good leader.
What makes a good leader? In my opinion a good leader has several qualities that determine if they are good or bad as a leader. Depending on how these qualities are managed determines if they are good or bad, or perhaps in between.
A good leader has and shows confidence. Not to be interpreted the leader knows all information. A good leader will allow those who know the information to do the task, and learn from the experience. Being honest with themselves and with those around them, acknowledging there are areas they themselves still need to acquire knowledge and experience.
A good leader is willing to make a decision and responsibly accept the consequences of the decision made. There is no scapegoat built into the plan or decisions they make. Often a leader has to make a decision quickly and under pressure. Not all plans or decisions work out perfectly, as we are only humans and will make mistakes or less than perfect choices. A leader realizes the imperfection and is honest to admit when they make a mistake and/or the task was not completed with perfection.
A good leader will evaluate their team members as to their abilities and strengths. Delegation of tasks will be determined by the skills of each person. As a team they are strong, but divided the team is a disaster. Creating a team that wants to work together benefits everyone. Being the leader, it is easy to take credit for all the work done well. A good leader gives credit to those who worked with them on a project done well.
Leadership is a hard task. Being a good leader requires confidence, honesty, decision making under pressure, understanding team members and clear assessment of skills, with motivation for everyone to work together for the desired results. A broad description of a good leader, with many micro skills involved to achieve gaining the trust of those working with them and willingness to perform to their best abilities.
We have seen or been with leaders who were not so perfect in their skills of leadership, or horrible leaders. I have seen good leaders evolve into bad leaders. I have also worked with bad leaders who evolved with work to become good leaders.
amtolle
Me, Myself and I 