We tend to talk about leadership as if it resides in the boardroom. Yet, leadership doesn’t clock out when you do.
So, today, we explore a question every founder and business owner should ask themselves: What are the actual signs of a good leader, and how do I show up when no one’s watching?
Leadership Is a Way of Being
Leadership isn’t about the titles or hierarchies.
Yes, structure matters. And we have been conditioned to equate managers and bosses with leaders.
Yet, leadership is not management. It has to do with how you motivate yourself and others into aligned, intentional action.
And the truth is that we are all leaders because we all motivate ourselves and others in one way or another.
You lead in meetings.
You lead in your home.
You lead in line at the coffee shop, whether you realize it or not.
And the strongest leaders carry that consistency everywhere they go.
7 Unmistakable Signs of a Good Leader
1. They Lead by Example
Leadership starts with integrity.
How you show up when no one’s looking matters just as much (if not more) than how you show up on stage.
Do you model the values you expect from others?
Do your actions echo your words?
Great leaders do.
2. They’re the Same Person Everywhere
If you’re kind and composed at work but reactive and distracted at home, you’re not aligned.
Consistency is the hidden metric of authentic leadership.
Great leaders don’t wear masks. They show up as the same person both at work and at home.
3. They Listen with Presence
Listening is a skill we are rarely taught.
Think about it.
You learn how to write & read. You even learn how to speak in front of others & present well.
Yet, listening is somehow neglected in our curriculum.
That’s why most of us listen only at a surface level, just waiting to talk.
True listening is being fully present, absorbing what’s being said (and not said through various cues), and responding with thoughtfulness.
4. They Inspire Through Vision
Rather than micromanage, good leaders paint a picture of where they’re going and invite others to co-create the journey.
As Jores shared in a recent episode of More Than Just Task Management, “Make your vision clear, and let your team apply it. That’s leadership.”
5. They Show Vulnerability and Own Their Mistakes
Pretending to be perfect is a recipe for disconnection.
When leaders take responsibility and admit when they’re wrong, they earn trust, not lose it.
We are all human and make mistakes. Owning up to them, learning the lesson… this is what leaders do.
6. They Stay Calm in the Storm
In moments of chaos, great leaders become the eye of the hurricane. They stabilize the energy in the room, provide clarity, and help others move forward.
7. They Treat Everyone With Respect
From teammates to spouses to servers at restaurants, respect is universal. You can’t lead well if your leadership only turns “on” for clients or colleagues.
The Secret Ingredient? Emotional Intelligence
At the core of every sign above lies one thing: emotional intelligence.
Your ability to regulate your own emotions, hold space for others, and respond with presence and maturity is what sets great leaders apart. Not just in business, but in life.
So… How Do You Show Up?
You’re probably already leading more than you think.
And if you want to understand how your energy impacts your leadership, we’d love to offer you something special.
Claim Your Complimentary Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment
Discover how you lead across every area of life with one of the most transformational tools we’ve ever used. Normally $250, but we’re offering a few free spots this month.
Click here to request your free ELI Assessment
Let’s uncover the powerful, present, emotionally intelligent leader you already are.
