by Steve Adubato, PhD

Last week we discussed some of the characteristics of a great team leader. This week, we round out that list with the help of some insightful readers. A great leader is someone who...

Has "unrealistic" expectations as to what is possible. Consider that Dr. Martin Luther King's "unrealistic" expectations dramatically changed the course of history. Great leaders don't simply make incremental change or improvement, but rather strive for goals and objectives that most others are threatened by. The key is to motivate team members to believe that together they can accomplish great things. Whether it's Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Bill Gates or Dr. King, our world is shaped by "unrealistic" expectations.

Isn't necessarily at the top of the organizational chart. His leadership is not defined by his title or position in the organization. Fact is, there are many CEO's and others in key positions on paper who exhibit few, if any, characteristics of great leadership. I've known many great leaders who lack the title, position or status who have a great impact on their organization. Leadership is as much an attitude and philosophy as anything else.

Understands that different situations may require different leadership styles. When people say they have a democratic leadership style my question is, would they use that same style if there was a fire or some emergency that required them to give clear and un-debatable direction? Fact is, while someone may have a general leadership style, there will be situations that arise that require a leader to adapt a different approach. The leader who refuses to do so will hurt himself and his team.

Is committed to his or her personal and professional growth. Great leaders never stop learning. The leader who thinks he or she has all the answers is in big trouble. While a leader must be a teacher, he or she must also be a student and have a desire for new knowledge and insight. Great leaders are committed to reaching their potential, which requires an open mind and a desire to grow.

In that spirit of learning let's consider the comments of a few readers on the subject of great leadership.

Roger Hanos, who has worked in public service for 30 years, says an important characteristic of a good leader is that he or she, "delegates appropriate responsibility and with it the authority needed to maximize customer services. When a leader entrusts an employee with the responsibility and authority to do a job, it results in not only a more efficient service but also maximizes the employee's self esteem."

Great stuff, Roger. Delegating responsibility is a great way to boost the morale of the entire team.

Jim Ruppell from Nutley believes a great leader is someone who "listens attentively to other's opinions. Too many of us are poor listeners. A poor leader tends to listen to their own voice rather than the valuable opinions of their team members."

You're right, Jim, listening is one of a leader's most important skills. Is it important for a leader to make a powerful presentation? Of course. But if I had to choose between a leader being a great public speaker and a great listener, I'd go with the latter. Leaders cannot lead without working overtime on understanding what team members are saying or not saying. Listening is not easy, but it pays huge dividends.

Finally, I will leave you with a few characteristics of a great leader sent to me by Sal Vuocolo, Jr. "A great leader is someone who understands the need for effective two-way communication from the executive level to the front line staff; has a visceral, unflinching way of demonstrating to employees how to deal with change; has a clear sense of what his or her principles are and how important it is to never contradict them."

As always, thanks for the feedback.