How Strong Leaders Can Continue to Improve

Whether overseeing one person or 100, being a great leader can be challenging. There are countless responsibilities to juggle, varying personalities we must deal with, and a growing number of skills to master. All the while, we must navigate corporate politics, fluctuating revenue goals, and evolving demands thrust upon us and our teams. When you add it up, it’s a lot. 

But good leaders know that there is always room for improvement. In fact, honing your managerial skills should be an ongoing process. Help is available from countless self-help books, but I've found that talking with other leaders is far more beneficial.   

I recently had the opportunity to jump on a Zoom call with about 20 industry managers from across the country. We planned to discuss best practices, but the conversation quickly changed to provide help to one of the younger executives. He asked his more seasoned colleagues, "What makes up a good manager?" The responses were interesting because many of the comments were less about a leader as a person, and more about management in general.   

For example, they agreed that being a quality leader means creating a strong, competent, and hardworking team that can thrive on its own. They also commented that a successful manager will staff a team that includes people who are smarter than they are and who aren't afraid to speak up.  

Of course, there were also personal characteristics these seasoned managers noted in strong leaders. One was to be an influencer. Successful leaders should be a strong example and establish trust. Be someone the team can look up to.  

Another recommendation was to encourage innovation. The old way of doing something isn't always the only way. Leaders who foster experimentation and embrace potential mistakes open the door to creativity, improved processes, and more inspired teams.  

Finally, the leadership attributes most attendees stressed were integrity and accountability. Be the type of manager that will advocate for the team, treat them fairly, and do what's right for them and the company.   

Becoming a strong leader doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and experimentation, but the effort will pay off when you become the leader your team and your organization needs. 

If you or someone you know deserves recognition for leadership, submit a nomination for our 2025 Sales Leader Award here.