What makes a great leader?

19 Aug 2015

In this inspiring TED-talk Management theorist and author Simon Sinek talks about the traits that define great leadership. According to him a great leader is a person who creates a deep sense of trust and cooperation within an organisation.

However, Simon Sinek, the author of Start With Why and Leaders Eat Last, explains that the problem with trust and cooperation is that they are feelings and not instructions and that's why you can't simply ask people to trust you and instruct people to cooperate.

In today's uncertain economy and constantly changing world where new technology can disrupt your business model overnight it is becoming increasingly important for leaders to create the right environment and corporate culture within the organisation. I think Simon Sinek sums it up really well in the two quotes below:

"When a leader makes the choice to put the safety and lives of the people inside the organization first, to sacrifice their comforts and sacrifice the tangible results, so that the people remain and feel safe and feel like they belong, remarkable things happen."

"When we feel safe inside the organization, we will naturally combine our talents and our strengths and work tirelessly to face the dangers outside and seize the opportunities."

Make sure you also watch his other famous TED-talk; How great leaders inspire action.

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