Leaders come in many shapes, sizes and styles, but the Best Leaders~ the ones people respect and want to follow~ share the following common characteristics.

1. The Best Leaders recognize that every team member has unique talents, skills and interests; and those leaders play to those qualities.
2. Good Leaders recognize that a “Cookie Cutter” approach to motivation doesn’t work, and they tailor their incentives to each person.
3. Good Leaders show appreciation for their teams’ efforts by providing support and encouragement and helping the team grow and learn.
4. A Good Leader does not take a military style approach by barking out orders. A congenial atmosphere makes work easier.
5. A Good Leader would never ask someone to do something they wouldn’t do themselves. Come down from the Ivory Tower and work side by side.
6. A Good Leader takes care not only of the team,  but the tools and the workplace as well.
7. A Good Leader sets goals and keep those goals insight.
8. A Good Leader plans for the future and builds sustainability into the organization.
9. A Good Leader mentors the people around them to build future leaders.
10. A Good Leader leads by example.