Dear GPT: What Makes a Good Leader?

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Duh, I asked the GPT. I love how much work this robot can do for me!

It returned 463 words, neatly categorized in a 1-n (n=20!) list of characteristics, as follows:

"

A good leader possesses a combination of qualities, skills, and attributes that enable them to effectively guide and inspire individuals or a group toward a common goal. While leadership traits can vary based on the context and situation, here are some key characteristics that are often associated with a good leader:

1. 1. Vision: A good leader has a clear and compelling vision for the future, which they can communicate and inspire others to work toward.
2. 2. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential. Leaders must be able to convey their ideas, expectations, and goals clearly and listen actively to others.
3. 3. Empathy: Understanding and considering the emotions, perspectives, and needs of others fosters a positive and supportive environment.
4. 4. Integrity: Honesty, ethical behavior, and consistency in actions and words build trust and credibility among team members.
5. 5. Decisiveness: Leaders must be able to make timely and informed decisions, even in challenging situations, and take responsibility for the outcomes.
6. 6. Confidence: Self-assuredness and belief in one's abilities help inspire confidence and motivate others to follow.
7. 7. Adaptability: The ability to navigate change, embrace innovation, and adjust strategies when necessary ensures long-term success.
8. 8. Resilience: Leaders should remain composed and steadfast in the face of setbacks, demonstrating perseverance and determination.
9. 9. Collaboration: Promoting teamwork, fostering cooperation, and valuing diverse perspectives enhance group dynamics and results.
10. 10. Empowerment: Encouraging autonomy and enabling team members to take ownership of their work contributes to individual growth and overall success.
11. 11. Problem-Solving: Leaders should be adept at identifying challenges, analyzing situations, and finding effective solutions.
12. 12. Motivation: Inspiring and motivating others through recognition, positive reinforcement, and setting achievable goals enhances overall team morale and productivity.
13. 13. Delegation: Effective leaders delegate tasks and responsibilities based on individual strengths, empowering team members to contribute their best.
14. 14. Listening Skills: Actively listening to feedback, concerns, and ideas from team members helps create an inclusive and collaborative environment.
15. 15. Humility: A humble leader acknowledges their own limitations, learns from mistakes, and values the contributions of others.
16. 16. Strategic Thinking: Developing and implementing well-thought-out plans and strategies contributes to long-term success.
17. 17. Risk-Taking: Calculated risk-taking can lead to innovation and growth, demonstrating a willingness to explore new possibilities.
18. 18. Time Management: Leaders need to balance their own responsibilities while ensuring efficient allocation of resources and tasks within the team.
19. 19. Conflict Resolution: Addressing conflicts promptly and constructively helps maintain a harmonious and productive working environment.
20. 20. Mentorship: Guiding and developing team members' skills and careers is an important aspect of leadership that fosters growth and succession planning.

It's important to note that no leader is perfect, and different situations may require different leadership approaches. Effective leaders continually work on developing and refining these qualities to adapt to evolving challenges and lead their teams toward success.

"

BAM!

It took less than a second to get the list, and me, a slow reader 1:47 minutes to consume, comprehend and judge it as accurate.

Fun fact: if I used it in a speech, it would take me, a fast talker, just over 3 minutes to perform it.

That's it!

Done.

--

But now what?!

Are we suddenly all magically turning into good leaders?!

Sadly no. Just this week, in a conversation with an industry mentee, I heard it again: "There aren't many leaders here that are about people".

So I have a hunch: this neat list of attributes isn't what the people want to talk about.

For #1, I don't even see my first answer to the question on GPT's list: trust. 🚩

See, I think the people want to know what it feels like to work with someone with all those neat attributes. For sure, it's not just me.

I am preparing to ask questions at the closing panel at the WAN Summit I'm hosting next month.

Tell me: What makes a good leader?