What the Heck is Leadership? 10 Things Great Leaders Actually Do

So I realised I have published nearly 40 articles now, most of them about leadership and management but I haven't yet defined what leadership is.

Leadership is one of those words we hear everywhere, but its definition remains elusive. Is it about having a fancy title? Giving orders? Being the most charismatic person in the room? Well, yes—and no. The truth is, leadership is far more complex than just being the boss or having a team to manage. It’s a multifaceted skill that changes depending on the situation, the organisation, and even the individual.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge." — Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker.

In some cases, leadership means inspiring a team to rally around a common goal, like in sports or business. In other situations, it involves guiding people through challenges, as we see in political or volunteer organisations. Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept; what works for one leader in one context might not work for another. However, despite the differences in leadership styles and contexts, the traits that make great leaders are remarkably consistent across the board—whether you’re managing a business, running a political campaign, coaching a sports team, or heading up a volunteer organisation.

So, what do great leaders actually do? Below are the top 10 leadership functions and the traits that support them. If you’re a new manager—or even a seasoned leader looking to sharpen your skills—these are the key things to focus on.

1. Set Clear Goals

What They Do: Leaders define the vision and set clear, achievable goals for their teams. They communicate where the team is headed and what success looks like.

Supporting Traits: Visionary, organised, strategic thinker.

2. Inspire and Motivate Others

What They Do: Leaders keep their teams engaged and motivated, even when times get tough. They know what drives each individual and tap into those motivations to keep morale high.

Supporting Traits: Empathy, emotional intelligence, charisma.

3. Lead by Example

What They Do: A good leader doesn’t just talk the talk—they walk the walk. They demonstrate the behaviours and work ethic they expect from their team, setting a standard for others to follow.

Supporting Traits: Integrity, accountability, consistency.

4. Make Decisions

What They Do: Leaders are decisive. They gather information, consult with their teams, and make the tough calls when needed. Even when the decision is unpopular, they stand by it.

Supporting Traits: Confidence, analytical thinking, decisiveness.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." — John C. Maxwell, leadership expert and author.

5. Delegate Effectively

What They Do: Leaders know they can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything themselves. They trust their teams and delegate tasks in a way that plays to each person’s strengths.

Supporting Traits: Trust, empowerment, strategic delegation.

6. Develop and Mentor Their Team

What They Do: A true leader invests in the growth of their people. They provide feedback, coaching, and development opportunities to help their team reach their potential.

Supporting Traits: Patience, mentorship, commitment to others' growth.

7. Handle Conflict Constructively

What They Do: Conflict is inevitable in any team. Leaders address it head-on, fostering a healthy environment where disagreements can be discussed openly and resolved fairly.

Supporting Traits: Conflict resolution, diplomacy, emotional control.

8. Communicate Clearly and Frequently

What They Do: Effective leaders don’t leave their teams in the dark. They communicate regularly, clearly, and transparently to ensure everyone is aligned and knows what’s happening.

Supporting Traits: Clarity, active listening, transparency.

"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." — Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President.

9. Embrace Change and Innovation

What They Do: Leaders know that stagnation is the enemy of progress. They adapt to changing circumstances, encourage innovation, and stay open to new ideas that could benefit the team.

Supporting Traits: Adaptability, open-mindedness, creativity.

10. Take Accountability

What They Do: Leaders own their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions, and the actions of their team. They don’t point fingers when things go wrong—they look for solutions.

Supporting Traits: Humility, responsibility, solution-oriented.

Conclusion: Leadership—An Art That Transcends Context

As we’ve explored, leadership isn’t just about giving orders or being at the top of the food chain. It’s about taking purposeful actions that guide, inspire, and elevate a group to reach a common goal. Whether you’re in the boardroom, on the field, or leading a community project, these core leadership functions stay the same, even though the specific challenges might change.

Leadership is nuanced and context-dependent, but the underlying traits that define good leaders remain steady. It’s about showing integrity, taking accountability, inspiring others, and being adaptable to the unique needs of your team and the situation at hand. Regardless of the setting—be it a fast-paced corporate environment, a volunteer group, or a sports team—the actions and values that define leadership don’t shift.

So, as you embark on your own leadership journey, remember that while your role and circumstances may evolve, the fundamental traits of leadership—clear communication, decisiveness, accountability, and a passion for developing others—will always stand the test of time.

Leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. And that, more than anything, is what sets great leaders apart.

Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination

If you’re reading this as a young or new manager and don’t see all of these traits in your own leadership yet—don’t worry. Leadership is like any other skill: it takes time, practice, and constant learning to develop. No one is born a perfect leader, and even the most experienced leaders are still growing and adapting. The good news is that each of these traits can be worked on, refined, and improved over time.

The key is to stay open to feedback, reflect on your experiences, and commit to learning, whether through mentoring, reading, or simply observing the leaders around you. With persistence and practice, you’ll see your leadership evolve, and before long, you’ll be the one inspiring others. Leadership is a journey, not a destination—so embrace the process and know that each step forward brings you closer to the leader you aspire to be.