Here’s what good leadership looks like in 2023: Pulse

From your Little League coach to the coolest kid on the field, we’ve all grown up with different kinds of leaders. Some wield authority by virtue of their job title or the role they play in your organization. Others simply take on the mantle of leadership by being the person everyone instinctively turns to in times of crisis.

What do you like to see in a leader? Are you looking for someone who exudes power or someone who feels like one of the gang? Have your most effective leaders been take-charge or service-oriented? Has leadership changed to keep pace with new generations and their values, or are there leadership qualities that never go out of style?

As we launch into Leadership Month here at Inman, we asked you: What does leadership look like in 2023? Is it big and loud, or does it make use of softer skills? Does it require decades of experience, or is it more about the leader’s personality? Can anyone develop leadership skills, or is it something you’re born with? Here are your responses, edited for clarity:

• Someone who is willing to do the right thing regardless of their monetary position in making their decision. Keeping their word. Willing to have an open door policy and be highly visible and approachable. Be willing to have the one-to-one conversation with that junior team member when they approach you. Leading by example and sticking to a work schedule and letting the rest of the leadership members know where you are when not adhering to your schedule. Modeling the culture of your company and following the business mode without exception. Not tolerating underhandedness or dishonesty from anyone. 
• Calm, laser-focused and confident 
• Good leadership is effective, relatable and leads by example. 
• Communication. Creativity. Confidence. 
• Leadership is standing with all that look to the leader, manager or broker for support. So many still single out the few top in the company to rally around and that leads to low morale, decreased productivity and high turnover. Low morale will eventually kill the culture of any company. Times always change so leadership should be equally balanced for all. 

Now it’s your turn. Sound off on your ideal leader in the comments below.