5 Reasons Why Great Leadership Makes Everyone Better

Leadership—it’s a word that gets tossed around a lot. But what does it really mean to be a great leader? Beyond just steering the ship, true leadership has a ripple effect that makes everyone better if you start with yourself first and move outward from there. Let’s dive into why that is:

Leadership is Influence

At its core, leadership is all about influence. Every day, we have the chance to guide, mentor, and inspire those around us. It’s not just about where we’re headed but how we’re helping others on their journey too. So, here’s a question to ask yourself: Are you moving towards the best version of yourself? The more we improve, the more we can influence others to do the same.

People Desire to Thrive

Most people have an innate desire to be better, to grow, and to succeed. But let’s be honest, not everyone knows how to get there on their own. That’s where we come in as leaders. By demonstrating progress—not just talking about it—we show others what’s possible. It’s one thing to say, “You can do it,” but when they see you turning words into real-life action, that’s when real change starts to happen.

Being Influential Starts by Being Influenced

Leadership isn’t a solo sport. The best leaders are those who are constantly learning and growing by drawing on the influence of others. We’re all shaped by the people we surround ourselves with, and that’s true for our teams too. If we’re growing and evolving by leaning on the wisdom of others, why wouldn’t we encourage our teams to do the same? It’s a cycle—get influenced, then pass that influence on.

Expectations for Yourself Define Expectations for Others

Here’s the thing: People will rise—or fall—to the expectations set before them. If we hold ourselves to high standards, we’re setting a precedent for everyone around us to do the same. It’s crucial to communicate those expectations clearly. No one’s a mind reader, right? When expectations are crystal clear, our teams can make informed choices to rise to the occasion or choose a different path.

A Healthy Leader is a Source of Safety

When we’re in a good place mentally, physically, and emotionally, we become a source of strength and safety for others. It’s hard to lead others to greatness if we’re not taking care of ourselves first. Think about it—how can we expect our teams to thrive if we’re not? It all starts with self-care and setting a positive example. When we’re flourishing, it’s contagious, and it inspires others to do the same.

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So, what do you think? Am I missing anything here? Leadership is a journey, and we’re all in it together. Keep the conversation going on in the comments of my LinkedIn post to continue to help each other be better leaders.