A Respected and Helpful Leader

by John Keyser

Recently during a conversation, my friend Kathleen, who is an accomplished and dedicated consultant with a highly regarded company, told me that she feels blessed that she has an terrific boss, a genuine leader.

I do not hear this often enough, so I asked her to please share with me her thoughts about her boss and why she is so pleased with his leadership.

She told me her boss recognizes that happy people do better work. So true! I’ve witnessed this and numerous studies have validated it. He is “other” focused. He cares deeply about his team members’ growth and success. She said this comes naturally to him, as he is a good person, a person with the right values. Conversations are important to him, and he frequently schedules one on one talks, for which he is fully present. He does not have a personal agenda.

This takes humility and quiet inner-confidence, which he clearly has.

This leader has a large team and has significant responsibilities. And he makes it clear that every single person is important to him, that everyone can make a difference to the company. He lets them know that he is ready to help as he can. As a result, my friend says everyone on the team appreciates his caring leadership and wants to do their best. He has high standards, to be sure, he does not tolerate under-performance or poor attitude. He will be honest with a person who needs to improve, and he’ll try to help. But if no sincere effort is made to improve, that person is gone.

Kathleen’s boss maintains a positive attitude, and models that for all. In fact, he shields team members from the drama of organizational politics. I sure applaud that. These politics can truly hurt a company’s culture, the spirit of its people. Instead, collaborative problem solving is a normal practice at this company. He regularly asks people what they think, and he gives them timely feedback, both positive and helpful.

This is a true leader. As Kathleen says, “Yes, excellent results are his top priority, and this means our success as team members as well. He makes it clear that his great record is achieved by all of us.”

This is a person who is secure about himself, who realizes he is no better than others. His humility is attractive. People want to work with him. Sure, technically, they work for him, yet he has created a culture where he is side by side with them, leading through conversations, by asking questions rather than telling, and by trusting, instead of micro-managing.

“To be a great leader, we must stand with our people, not above them”

Thank you, Kathleen. I truly appreciate your sharing your observations about your boss’ exemplary leadership. Hats off to him!