Eight things great leaders do in the workplace

People who are good leaders can transform the lives of those who work for them as well as their entire organization. Their employees are more satisfied with their jobs and more productive.

Although some people are natural-born leaders, anyone can learn critical leadership skills.

One of the best ways to learn is by studying what makes a good leader in the workplace.¹ This article will explore eight examples of good leadership in business and answer the question: What does it take to be a good leader?

Clear communication is a hallmark of a good leader. It’s the foundation of all other leadership qualities. As a leader, you’ll rely on communication skills every day, whether you’re motivating your team, navigating challenges, or providing constructive feedback.

Some ways you can build your communication skills include using clear and concise language. This is true especially when you’re discussing complex ideas. Plain language, free of jargon, will help everyone involved better understand your meaning.²

You can also use metaphors to get across your key points and help people connect with your ideas. In the same vein, humanizing your data with stories and real-world examples can bring meaning to otherwise unconnected numbers.²

If you want people to follow you and trust in your ideas, you need to inspire and motivate them. This type of transformative leadership is particularly important in today’s complex business environment when people need to quickly adapt to changing technology and expectations.³

You don’t need to be extremely charismatic to inspire your team. You can start by providing clear direction even during uncertain times. This is when people need direction the most.

Pay attention to your employees so you’ll notice when they’re stressed and getting burned out. Focusing on their well-being, and making them feel as if they matter as individuals, is another way you can motivate them.³

Whether you want to or not, you always set an example for others as a leader.

People are much more willing to follow leaders they view as authentic—and the only way your employees will believe you’re authentic is if you model the behavior you want them to emulate.⁴

Leading by example builds trust with your team and encourages accountability. They know you aren’t asking for anything from them that you aren’t willing to do yourself. This sets the bar high and creates a positive work environment.⁴

In previous generations, leaders were praised for having great instincts and going with their “gut feeling” to make decisions. However, modern technology gives you access to a massive amount of data that can help you make informed decisions based on evidence rather than intuition.⁵

Using data results in better decision-making that drives improved results. You can use real-time analytics to make changes to your business strategy based on market conditions.⁵ Whether you’re using the latest algorithms to predict the market, or listening to an employee’s concerns about a problem that’s come up, being in touch with what’s happening as you make decisions gives your team confidence that they’re following you in the right direction.

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment begins at the top. Leaders who ensure their employees are treated fairly and valued for their unique contributions cultivate a work culture of psychological safety that encourages collaboration and innovation.⁶

Employees who feel seen, heard, and valued are more engaged at work and report higher levels of job satisfaction. This translates into increased productivity and loyalty, which is good for the entire company.⁶

Empathetic leaders bring out the best in their employees. By understanding others’ needs and providing support, they enable them to perform at their best. You can display empathy by paying close attention to your employees. Notice if they’re showing signs of burnout and step in to help. Even if people seem to be doing well, show interest in their lives outside of work as well as in their job performance.⁷

Build authentic relationships with the people who work for you. Let them know you’re willing to help during difficult times. Show compassion when they suffer a loss and celebrate victories with them.⁷

One of the best ways to help your employees grow and develop is through constructive feedback. If you’re an empathetic leader who cares about your employees, it’s never fun to criticize. However, constructive feedback shouldn’t be a negative experience for either party.⁸

In addition to being a time to address performance and behavior issues that need to improve, constructive feedback sessions are also an opportunity to recognize what an employee is doing right and acknowledge their successes. If an employee does need to make changes, create a plan that focuses on the behavior, not the person, and follow up with them on a regular basis.⁸

The current business landscape is changing rapidly. We’ve seen unprecedented innovation as a result of multiple recent events, including the pandemic and the exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

While lifelong learning has always been an asset, it’s now a non-negotiable issue for modern leaders.⁹ Employee skills can quickly become outdated, resulting in the need to upskill or reskill to remain competitive. Leaders who demonstrate their own commitment to ongoing education will have a much easier time convincing their employees of its value.

Delegation is a critical skill that allows successful leaders to focus on high-level priorities while empowering their team members to take ownership of tasks. This practice builds trust, encourages growth, and helps develop emerging leaders within an organization. Below are some essential elements of delegation that highlight its importance for any effective leader. By mastering delegation, leaders can enhance many of the eight great qualities already covered, amplifying their impact across the workplace.

The best leaders know that building trust starts with fostering connections. Delegation provides opportunities for team members to learn and contribute meaningfully to projects. Through active listening and seeking feedback, leaders create an environment where new ideas thrive, and team members feel valued. This approach strengthens the team and promotes professional development.

Delegating tasks involves more than just assigning responsibilities—it’s about embracing challenges and helping others grow. Many leaders use delegation as a way to promote continuous learning by allowing employees to work on complex projects outside their usual scope. This approach ensures professional development and prepares emerging leaders to handle future responsibilities.

The best leaders understand that they must spend time on strategic initiatives that drive extraordinary results. Delegation gives them the freedom to focus on higher-level goals while trusting their team members to manage the details. By leveraging emotional intelligence and recognizing when to step back, leaders encourage autonomy and inspire their teams to deliver their best work.

Through thoughtful delegation, effective leaders cultivate talent, spark new ideas, and empower emerging leaders to step into leadership roles. This practice ensures both the leader and their team grow, resulting in sustainable success across the organization.

There’s no better way to demonstrate your commitment to becoming a better leader than getting an MBA. You’ll learn the skills you need to grow your career with KU’s online MBA program.

Our world-class curriculum is delivered by outstanding industry professionals who are leaders in their fields. You can access the program from anywhere, on your own schedule, and apply online through the streamlined admissions process.

Become a part of the Jayhawk network, which consists of leaders in all types of organizations. Level up your career with a top-ranked MBA.¹⁰ Speak to one of our admissions outreach advisors today to get started taking charge of your future.