Lead Like a Leader

Leadership is everywhere. Whether we’re evaluating a political candidate, the CEO of our company, or even a direct report stepping into a management role, we often find ourselves in a position where we need to assess someone’s leadership abilities. But how do we do this objectively, without letting our personal biases cloud our judgment?

In Lead Like a Leader, John Dempsey outlines a set of core leadership qualities that provide a clear, structured approach to evaluating leaders. By using these key qualities, you can assess any leader’s performance with fairness and consistency, whether in business, politics, or everyday life. Here’s how:

The Qualities of a Leader (from Lead Like a Leader)

1. Visionary (Chapter 17)

• A great leader has a compelling vision that inspires and guides their team. Do they clearly articulate a long-term direction? Are they able to align their people around a shared purpose?

2. Strategic (Chapter 18)

• Strong leaders think beyond the immediate challenges. Do they anticipate future trends, plan proactively, and align resources effectively to achieve long-term goals?

3. Rich in Business Acumen (Chapter 19)

• Leaders must understand their industry and market dynamics. Do they demonstrate knowledge of financials, competition, and operational efficiencies that drive success?

4. Analytical (Chapter 20)

• Decision-making requires sound judgment and data-driven insights. Does the leader analyze situations critically, evaluate risks, and make well-informed choices?

5. Integrity (Chapter 21)

• Trust is the foundation of great leadership. Does the leader demonstrate honesty, ethics, and consistency in their words and actions?

6. Dedication (Chapter 22)

• Commitment to a mission separates good leaders from great ones. Does the leader show perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering focus on goals?

7. Humility (Chapter 23)

• True leaders recognize the value of others. Are they open to feedback, willing to learn, and capable of giving credit where it’s due?

8. Creativity (Chapter 24)

• Innovation is key to leadership success. Does the leader foster a culture of creativity, encourage new ideas, and adapt to changing circumstances?

9. Assertiveness (Chapter 25)

• Effective leaders make decisions with confidence. Do they stand firm in their convictions, advocate for their teams, and navigate conflicts decisively?

10. Humor (Chapter 26)

• A sense of humor fosters connection and resilience. Does the leader use humor appropriately to build relationships and ease tensions?

11. Results and Branding (Chapter 27)

• Leaders are ultimately measured by their ability to deliver results. Do they achieve goals while managing their personal and organizational reputation?

12. Inspiration (Chapter 28)

• The best leaders uplift and motivate others. Does the leader inspire confidence, passion, and commitment within their team?

13. Leadership and Working from Home (Chapter 29)

• Remote work presents new challenges for leadership. Does the leader effectively communicate, engage, and maintain productivity in a virtual environment?

By applying these qualities, you can evaluate any leader with clarity and fairness. Whether you’re deciding who to vote for, assessing a potential hire, or reflecting on your own leadership journey, this framework provides a reliable way to measure performance and potential.

Who’s a leader you admire? Try assessing them through this lens—what do they excel at, and where could they improve? The more we develop our ability to evaluate leadership, the better we become at identifying and fostering great leaders around us.

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