How to Be a Good Leader in Any Industry

Someone once asked, “Are good leaders born or are they made?” The truth is that good leaders are both born and made. Some people seem to have a natural knack for leadership. It seems whatever they do turns to gold with little or no effort at all. We marvel over people like this. Think Oprah, John Maxwell and Bill Gates.

Recently I decided to do a “Leadership 101” series on my Facebook page because I get emails from folks wanting to know how they can be more influential and reach more people with their message. I must admit, these types of requests are flattering, but most importantly they sparked this idea to help and encourage other leaders to become the good leaders I know they all want to be.

I haven’t written any leadership books or anything like that. Yet I constantly fill my mind with positive teachings from influential leaders and mentors. So what does it take to be a good leader?

Good Leaders: What are the Most Important Leadership Qualities?

Leadership can very simply defined as influence.

Think about the people in your life right now. You are either influencing them or they are influencing you. The more influence you have, the greater the potential of your being a good leader. We already know that good leaders are made, but how does a person become a “good leader?” What makes a great leader? And what leadership qualities does one need to possess in order to influence lots of people?

Leadership Qualities

The one leadership quality that makes good leaders stand out from the pack is their ability to expand their mind on a regular basis. My kids have a program at their school called RIF (Reading is FUNdamental). You must, I repeat must read on a regular basis in order to become a good leader. You may have heard the chant, “Readers are leaders and leaders are readers.” That little saying is very true. You cannot expect to influence people with the limited knowledge in your head right now. So read, and read often!

Secondly, every good leader knows that their leadership qualities are contingent upon their dedication to grow in their field. No matter what industry or ministry you’re a part of, you must commit to regular training and education. That’s why I love the business that I do. Folks with Ph.D’s and no college degrees are all learning together! We have made a commitment to expand our knowledge base and grow our minds.

When you grow your mind, you will grow your income as well.

There are several other leadership qualities that I could lump together. Traits like trustworthiness, dependability, commitment, patience, perseverance and drive. All good leaders have these qualities as well, but they are the icing on the cake. The foundation must be more input than output via reading and training.

Come join the discussion on my Facebook page and allow me to help you grow into the good leader you were created to be!

What good leaders do you admire? What leadership qualities makes them influential? Share in the comments below.