While every organization has leadership roles that must be filled, leadership itself is more than a role; it is a way of living and guiding by action and response that can be seen in any scenario. Following are six specific scenarios in which true leadership particularly shines.

When giving feedback. . .

Giving feedback is all about judgment. To give feedback, one must first assess a person, situation, decision, etc. and then judge it. When providing feedback, great leaders understand that the judgment they are making does not fall under the negative connotation society assigns to the word. It is about determining what is right rather than only pointing out what is wrong. Proper judgment is a unique ability leaders possess that requires embracing vulnerability and speaking honestly in the pursuit of improvement.

When managing. . .

When managing, great leaders delegate. From a management perspective, doing rather than delegating can be extremely detrimental to the success of a team. When that is the case, the team members are not fully utilized, and the management effectively becomes an undermanaged team in itself. A lack of delegation can abate any level of trust and autonomy previously built between employee and manager.

When winning. . .

When hitting goals and making a profit, great leaders stay humble – the win is all about their team. This humility increases trust, morale, and motivation within the team. Humility may go unnoticed at times, but lack of humility is an easily recognizable fault that almost always negatively influences the opinions and attitudes of others.

When thinking. . .

Picking the mind of any great leader reveals that his or her thought process is very futuristic. Effective leaders rarely dwell on the past and often prepare for future plans, goals, roadblocks, and successes. They often also possess the unique ability to think futuristically while living in and enjoying the present. They are confident in their preparation and discipline, allowing them to bask in the comfort they obtain in each situation.

When losing. . .

Yes, even great leaders fail – but effective leaders stay positive and make a quick recovery. Again, leaders don’t dwell on the past when it isn’t helpful to do so; they acknowledge their mistakes and improve without batting an eye. Their futuristic thinking allows them to take quick next steps because in their mind they have most likely thought about every possible situation more than once. Their values and discipline translate into a confidence that attracts others even in tough times. When losing, great leaders are able to keep a clear mind and focus on the future win.

When free. . .

Although free time most likely is far from plentiful, great leaders quickly utilize the free time they do have to build relationships. True leaders do not build these relationships to get ahead or for personal gain; they do so because of their passion for others. The greatest characteristic of great leaders is their desire and ability to make the people around them better. They simply live for the people around them. This passion for others leads to both personal and professional fulfillment.

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