8 Differences Between Bad and Good Leaders

There are palpable differences between bad and good leaders. A bad leader is the boss you despise working for every day; the one who never acknowledges your achievements and only emphasizes your faults. A good leader truly believes in the work he does. He has a strong sense of purpose that materializes in even the most menial tasks. His example inspires his staff to strive for success and accomplishment. These are the leaders that Y Scouts specializes in, and these are the leaders that will help your company thrive. Here are eight differences that we have noticed between bad and good leaders.

Good leaders shoot for the impossible

Exceptional leaders raise the bar much higher than they can reach. Their goals are seemingly impossible, and their standards for the success of themselves and their team seem unreachable. But good leaders know that if you aim for something higher than you think you can achieve, you end up achieving more than you previously thought was possible.

They pounce on opportunities when other people see turmoil

When a formidable competitor enters the market, when they’ve lost one of their biggest clients, when the organization’s future seems uncertain; this is when bad leaders crumble and good leaders thrive. They see a new competitor as an opportunity to re-strategize their marketing campaign. They take the loss of one of their biggest clients as an opportunity to close an even bigger one. When the organization’s future seems uncertain, this is when a superior leader steps up and guides the company back on track.

They’re not afraid to show emotion

Bad leaders cut themselves off from their employees. They attempt to create an aura of apprehension and mystery. Thus, their employees don’t feel like they can approach them and express their ideas, limiting the flow of innovation.

Good leaders exercise immense self-control, but they aren’t afraid to be ecstatic when their team has accomplished something amazing. They’re open about what they need to do to improve, and when they haven’t lived up to their own standards, they apologize for it and make amends.

Good leaders watch over their employees

As their employees devote themselves to their leader, a good leader holds up the other end of the bargain by watching over them. They take the fall, even if it was one of their employee’s mistakes, and talk with that individual after the blame has been placed. Good leaders are always looking out for the best interests of their employees.

They don’t show a sense of entitlement

An undesirable leader will flaunt his success and distance himself from those below him. Leaders that are truly successful appreciate how they got to where they are, but never use a false sense of superiority in how they conduct their work. They take on the menial tasks with enthusiasm. They show by example how their employees should act, and they’re never too good to do the grunt work.

They lead by permission

They view their leadership role as an honor given to them by their employees. Their employees want to work for them because they’re great leaders, not because they are in a position of authority. They have been given permission to lead and they take that responsibility very seriously.

Their sense of purpose drives the work they do

No task is seen as unimportant, because the greater purpose for their work is always shining through. Good leaders keep this ambition at the forefront of their thoughts and repeat it constantly. This is what makes them successful and leads to the prosperity of the company.

They take the risks others are afraid of

When a good leader sees potential risk, what she’s really seeing is potential reward. Others may view her decision as they wish, but she knows that this is the risk worth taking over all others. This is where bad leaders fall by the wayside and where good leaders strive for what they believe in, inspiring others to do the same.

Y Scouts is an executive search firm that helps nonprofits and social enterprises find exceptional leaders. Contact us if you are looking to find an exceptional leader. To be considered for exceptional leadership opportunities with our clients, please take the first step by joining the Y Scouts Leadership Community.