The definition of a good leader

By Jo Bruce  /  October 26, 2022

Leadership — one of my favorite topics. Why? Because our world, our country, companies,
communities, schools and families depend on good leadership. I have coached leaders for more than 30 years and have seen the good, the bad and the ugly (movie reference, not about looks).
My business tag line is “Helping you BETTER YOUR BEST.”

Here are a few leadership definitions:

Leadership is organizing a group of people to achieve a common goal. Leadership is helping believe in a better tomorrow or better outcome than you have today.

I love that one.

As a Reaching Higher Instructor for adults this is what the course does — it brings out the leader in individuals to believe in tomorrow, themselves and others.

Another definition states that leadership is taking risks and challenging the status quo.

Do you take risks? I am currently writing a book about leadership, showcasing some exceptional leaders I have had the honor of working with. I do have some anxiety about it coming out – I’m sure there will be some good reviews and some not so good.

I love parables and anecdotal stories to illustrate a point. This parable aligns with my beliefs
about being a good leader:
— A pencil maker told his new pencil this:

Here are five things you need to know to be the best pencil you can be:

1. You will be able to do many things if you allow yourself to be held by someone else’s hand (point – be humble, learn from others).

2. Sharpening is painful, but critical if you want to be a better pencil (point – stay sharp, get feedback, read about leadership, attend workshops, get coached).

3. You have an eraser and can correct most mistakes, though some are harder to erase (point – correct and embrace the mistakes as opportunities to grow, learn, erase, and become better).

4. You may or may not look good, it’s what’s inside that counts (point – believe in you – we are all different sizes and shapes and can impact others by believing in who you are and what your purpose is).

5. Whatever surface you are used on, make sure you LEAVE YOUR MARK! No matter how hard, rough, or easy, continue to write (point — Don’t give up — hold to your vision, even when it seems it has dimmed).
My nickname is JoJo, and this is my good juju from JoJo.