6 Ways to describe a good leader: How to be seen as one this year

January brings fresh starts, new goals, and the question many of us ask ourselves: how do I want to show up as a leader this year? Whether you're stepping into a new role, leading an established team, or working on your personal leadership presence, understanding what makes someone a good leader is the first step toward becoming one.

What people look for in leaders

The research is remarkably consistent across decades and cultures. When asked what they admire most in leaders, people worldwide identify the same core qualities: honesty, competence, inspiration, and forward-thinking vision. MIT Sloan research found that leadership credibility rests on two critical pillars: perceived competence (faith in your knowledge and ability) and trustworthiness (belief in your values and dependability).

The disconnect? Only 26% of Americans perceive CEOs as credible in their words and actions. That gap between what people want and what they experience creates a powerful opportunity for leaders willing to show up differently.

Ways to describe a good leader

Understanding how people describe effective leaders gives you a roadmap for your own development. Here are the qualities that consistently emerge in research and real-world observation:

Trustworthy and consistent
Leaders are perceived as credible when they communicate and behave consistently. This means making decisions that align with your stated values, following through on promises, and behaving predictably. People need to know what to expect from you.

Competent and knowledgeable
Good leaders demonstrate expertise through their decisions, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to keep learning. Research by Zenger Folkman found that solving problems and analyzing issues ranks as the top leadership competency in 2024.

Empathetic and emotionally intelligent
Empathy and active listening are vital leadership characteristics. Leaders who understand and respond to the perspectives, concerns, and needs of their team members foster supportive cultures where people thrive.

Decisive yet open-minded
Effective leaders make decisions confidently while remaining open to input and new information. 70% of leadership development professionals say leaders need to master a wider range of behaviors to meet current business needs.

Inspiring and motivating
Good leaders create a sense of purpose and engagement. They help team members see how their work contributes to something meaningful. This requires clear communication of vision and genuine belief in the team's potential.

Accountable and transparent
When leaders openly admit mistakes, explain decisions, and take responsibility for outcomes, they build trust and model the behavior they want to see in others.

Adaptable and resilient
Adaptability emerged as one of the most important leadership skills for 2024, with leaders needing to navigate constant change, uncertainty, and complexity while maintaining stability for their teams.

How to be seen as a great leader this year

Knowing what makes a good leader matters less than consistently demonstrating those qualities. Here's how to build your leadership presence in 2025:

Lead through your actions
People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say. Model the behaviors you want to see. Show up on time, meet your commitments, treat everyone with respect, and handle challenges with grace.

Communicate with clarity and authenticity
Be direct about expectations, transparent about challenges, and honest about what you don't know. Clear communication builds trust faster than any other single behavior.

Invest in relationships
Strong relationships are the foundation of organizational success. Take time to understand what matters to each person on your team. Remember details. Show genuine interest. Build connection beyond transactional interactions.

Make your values visible
Don't assume people know what you stand for. Articulate your values clearly and demonstrate them consistently through your decisions and priorities. When your values guide your actions, people learn to trust your leadership.

Ask for feedback and act on it
Leaders who seek input and actually use it show humility and commitment to growth. Create regular opportunities for people to share honest feedback, and respond with appreciation rather than defensiveness.

Protect your team's wellbeing
Good leaders care about their people as humans, not just as workers. Set reasonable expectations, model healthy boundaries, advocate for resources, and create space for rest and recovery.

Keep developing yourself
Leadership is a skill that can be developed through experience, study, and intentional effort. Read, learn, seek coaching, reflect on your experiences, and continuously work on your growth edges.

Your leadership opportunity

This year offers a fresh chance to define the kind of leader you want to be. The qualities that make someone a good leader aren't mysterious or unattainable. They're behaviors and mindsets you can practice and strengthen over time.

Start by choosing one or two areas where you want to grow. Maybe you'll focus on building stronger relationships, communicating more transparently, or making decisions more decisively. Pick what resonates and commit to consistent practice.

Leadership happens in everyday moments, not just during big decisions or crises. It shows up in how you handle a difficult conversation, respond to a team member's idea, or navigate unexpected challenges. Each interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate the qualities that make leaders worth following.

People are watching. Not to judge whether you're perfect, but to see if you're trustworthy, competent, and genuinely invested in their success. Show them a leader worth following.

Frequently asked questions about KMH Leadership

What is KMH Leadership?
KMH Leadership is a leadership coaching firm founded by Katie Hostasa, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with nearly two decades of experience in HR and personal development. We help individuals and organizations unlock their potential through personalized coaching and leadership development programs.

Who does KMH Leadership work with?
We work with corporate executives, emerging leaders, working parents, and anyone seeking personal and professional growth. Whether you're part of a company investing in your team or pursuing your own goals, we're here to support you.

What services does KMH Leadership offer?
KMH Leadership offers intensive small group workshops and ongoing private coaching services. Our programs are customized to meet your specific needs, from leadership development and career transitions to building confidence and creating work-life balance.

How can I get started?
Visit kmhleadership.com to learn more and connect with us. We'd love to chat about how coaching can help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.