Great leaders lead better by consistently demonstrating key behaviors and practices that drive their teams to achieve outstanding results. I will lay a framework for understanding what distinguishes great leaders from good leaders. Great leaders possess a combination of personal humility and professional will, allowing them to lead with a clear sense of purpose and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

One of the critical behaviors of great leaders is their ability to set a clear and compelling vision for their team. This means deeply understanding where they want to take their organization and communicating that vision in a way that inspires and motivates their team to work towards it. In addition, great leaders can paint a vivid picture of the future they want to create and communicate that vision in a way that makes it seem achievable and desirable.

Another critical behavior of great leaders is their ability to build and lead a team of highly talented and motivated individuals. Great leaders can attract, retain, and develop the best talent, and create an environment where those individuals can flourish. This means providing clear direction and support and giving team members the autonomy and resources they need to achieve their goals.

Great leaders also have a relentless focus on achieving results. They can set challenging goals for their team and hold themselves and their team members accountable for achieving them. In addition, they can drive their team to achieve outstanding results by setting a clear direction and providing the support and resources that their team needs to achieve their goals.

In addition to these critical behaviors, great leaders possess several restorative practices that set them apart from good leaders. One of these practices is the ability to make data-driven decisions. Great leaders can use data and metrics to inform their choices and use that data to make better decisions that drive better results.

Another critical practice of great leaders is their ability to lead with a sense of humility. Great leaders can put the needs of their team and their organization ahead of their own and make decisions that are in their team's and their organization's best interests, even if those decisions may be difficult or unpopular.

Great leaders also profoundly understand the external environment in which they operate. As a result, they can anticipate and adapt to changes in the environment and use those changes to their advantage. This means being able to identify and capitalize on opportunities while also being able to mitigate and manage risks.

Finally, great leaders possess a deep sense of personal integrity. They can lead with a clear sense of purpose and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. As a result, they can make decisions that are in their team's and organization's best interests, even if those decisions may be difficult or unpopular.

In summary, great leaders lead better by consistently demonstrating key behaviors and practices that drive their teams to achieve outstanding results. For example, they set a clear and compelling vision, build and lead a team of highly talented and motivated individuals, have a relentless focus on achieving results, make data-driven decisions, lead with humility, have a deep understanding of the external environment, and possess a deep sense of personal integrity. By following these principles, leaders can achieve breakthrough results and take their organizations from good to great.

Image courtesy Tareq Ajalyakin @tareq_aj

About Jim Woods

Jim Woods is a diversity, equity and inclusion expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has worked with organizations of all sizes, from small non-profits to large Fortune 500 companies, helping them to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Jim is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and has a track record of success in implementing effective DEI strategies. He has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that organizations face when it comes to building a more diverse and inclusive culture, and is skilled at working with leadership teams to develop and execute strategies that drive positive change.

In addition to his work as a DEI expert, Jim is also a sought-after speaker and trainer. He has spoken at conferences and events around the world, sharing his knowledge and insights on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. He is also a frequent contributor to industry publications, sharing his expertise and thought leadership on DEI best practices.

Jim holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in organizational development and human resources.

Overall, Jim is a highly respected and accomplished DEI expert, with a proven track record of helping organizations build more inclusive and equitable cultures.