What makes a good leader great? It's mindset, integrity, and the ability to develop others while leading by example.

I'm sure you know – or at least can think of – some good leaders. Leaders who are knowledgeable, approachable, and dependable. But who comes to mind when I ask you to think of a great leader? And what makes them different? 

You might think of skills and characteristics like adaptability, decision-making, delegation, and the ability to motivate others. But great leaders go beyond these foundational traits to create a lasting impact that influences not just what people do – but who they become. 

Here are five key qualities that set great leaders apart. 

1. Communication 

While good leaders communicate to inform, great leaders communicate to inspire, connect, and drive real change. Rather than just communicating expectations and instructions clearly, they simplify complex ideas and inspire action. Just as importantly, great leaders actively listen – so people feel heard and understood. Their effective communication style helps them to build stronger relationships and deeper engagement. 

"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said."  

– Peter Drucker 

 

2. Growth Mindset 

While good leaders are open to and embrace growth opportunities for themselves and others, great leaders actively seek them. They see mistakes, failures, and challenges as valuable learning experiences and invest in the growth of their team. This creates a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. They are also willing to unlearn, relearn, challenge old norms, try new things, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. 

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."  

– John Quincy Adams 

 

3. Leadership Development  

While good leaders support and encourage others' development, great leaders go beyond this by actively developing the leadership capabilities of others. They take actions to close the gap between themselves and their teams. This is done through mentoring their teams to activate success, meaningfully delegating responsibility, and empowering others to make decisions, solve problems, and take ownership. By investing in others, great leaders ensure sustainable success and growth. 

"I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." 

 – Ralph Nader 

 

4. Integrity 

While good leaders act with integrity and uphold ethical standards, great leaders prioritize high moral values and responsibility, even when the stakes are high. Good leaders are honest, fair, trustworthy, and accountable. In moments of crisis, it's the great leaders who have the courage to put ethics above business interests. They do what's right – beyond what policies and laws require. 

"Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things."  

– Peter Drucker 

 

5. Lead by Example 

While good leaders model expectations of professionalism, hard work, and integrity, great leaders hold themselves to the same (or higher) standard they ask for in others – especially in moments of challenge or change. They have the courage to speak up first, ask for help, seek and accept constructive feedback, take ownership of shortcomings, and welcome different – and even opposing – perspectives. This creates a culture of empathy, trust, collaboration, and commitment.  

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing."  

– Albert Schweitzer  

 

The Bottom Line 

Great leaders aren't just born – they're built. While some qualities might come more easily than others, the traits that set great leaders apart are developed through intention, practice, feedback, and reflection. Growth doesn't happen by accident – it happens by design. If you're ready to take your leadership to the next level, we've developed several online coaching programs that provide the tools and strategies to drive real behavioral change. Because leadership isn't about authority or position – it's about creating meaningful impact.  

"Good leaders build products. Great leaders build cultures. Good leaders deliver results. Great leaders develop people. Good leaders have vision. Great leaders have values. Good leaders are role models at work. Great leaders are role models in life." 

 – Adam Grant