A good leader recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of their team members and works to reinforce those strengths while improving their weaknesses.
Leadership has no definite meaning. It does not have a one-size-fits-all definition. When I was asked in our class if I had experienced being with a good leader or if I was a good leader, I found it difficult to answer. I acknowledge that it is natural to see flaws in people, as nobody is perfect. Yet, recognizing positive qualities alongside these imperfections is crucial. My experiences of seeing positive and negative attributes in my bosses highlight the complex nature of leadership.
What makes a good leader can also vary depending on context, workplace culture, and individual preferences and values. I have observed this firsthand, having experienced contrasting work environments in my previous and current workplaces. In my previous work, I felt empowered to speak my mind, thanks to the supportive atmosphere fostered by my former immediate supervisors, who were peers of age.
Conversely, my current workplace offers a different dynamic. While the work demands may be less intense, there is a greater emphasis on work-life balance, contributing to a sense of being cared for mentally and physically. This starkly contrasts my previous experience, where high work demands were inherent. In general, both in my earlier and current work, I view good leaders as mentors who support their team members and value empathy, guidance, and fostering growth within our team.
It is not about being flawless but about continually striving to improve and positively impact those around them. By viewing my bosses as mentors who support and guide others, I acknowledge the importance of a leader’s role in shaping their team members’ professional development and success.
Gianpiero Petriglieri states, “Leadership is not a position or a set of skills. It is a kind of love. That is, a relationship in which we are safe and free at once.” Leadership is not just about the hierarchy nor the act of giving orders or making decisions; it is about inspiring, guiding, and empowering others to reach their full potential.
A good leader recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of their team members and works to reinforce those strengths while improving their weaknesses. Leadership is viewed as a kind of love or relationship where you feel cared for, less anxious, and free to express yourself. When leaders create environments where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered, it fosters a sense of commitment and motivation. Good leaders create an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel.
Therefore, I learned that defining leadership is subjective and based on personal feelings and experiences – just like love. It is not just about analyzing traits or actions in isolation but how those traits and actions make me feel and impact my growth and development. With this, I realized that leadership is relational and dynamic. In my previous job, I admired how my bosses balanced professionalism and camaraderie with our team. They were approachable and supportive, especially when guidance was needed. What stood out to me was their willingness to support me in my career decisions, showing that they valued our friendship beyond just the workplace. When I moved up to supervisory and managerial roles, I aimed to emulate these qualities. However, our work demands, particularly during busy seasons, sometimes brought out their less desirable traits.
Nonetheless, these experiences taught me valuable lessons. I made a conscious decision not to get caught up in a toxic work culture and instead became more empathetic towards my team. I did not want them to face the same disappointments I had encountered, and I hope I succeeded in creating a better work environment for them.
Good leadership is about inspiring and influencing others in ways that bring out the best in people and contribute to their personal and professional growth. Good leaders show this love and serve as role models, shaping my leadership aspirations. When I see qualities in my bosses that I admire and seek to emulate, it reflects their ability to inspire and guide me toward becoming a better leader. By reflecting on my experiences and feelings about my bosses, I have gained a deeper understanding of what good leadership means to me personally. This self-awareness can be invaluable as I follow better leaders and continue to explore my leadership journey.
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. She can be reached at justine_aglipay@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
