Leadership

What are your thoughts on what makes a good leader?  Is it the same as a manager?  I think they're very different styles and philosophies.  To me, a leader is someone who shows by example those behaviors she wants others to emulate.  Walks the walk, so to speak.  A good leader encourages the accomplishments of others and makes sure they are acknowledged as THEIR accomplishments not an extension of her own.  A manager tells people the behaviors she expects them to exhibit, maybe exhibiting them herself, maybe not. The do as I say not as I do model.  An exceptional leader has well developed social intelligence.  Is able to meet people where they're at in a non-judgmental way.  She fully understands that everyone has a reason for behaving the way they do and it isn't because they woke up that morning deciding to make mistakes.  An empathic demeanor is the leader who takes the time to understand how each person learns, what makes them tick and how they can be mentored in the positive skills they have.  She does not focus on what's wrong, their qualities that need fixing.  A good leader works to her staff's strengths not their weaknesses.  Hmmm, these are qualities of a good spouse, parent, and friend as well.  Think about it.