What does it take to be an exceptional leader? - Entrepreneur Poll

**YE Blog** · 08-06-2009 02:39 PM

It's the start of a new poll! This month we are asking "What does it take to be an exceptional leader?"

One of the most fascinating entrepreneurial themes is none other than Leadership. Leadership alone can require a combination of all kinds of characteristics, traits, morality, skills and behavior.
So what makes an exceptional leader? We want to read about your experiences as a leader, or with a leader. Is there a style of leadership you particularly admire, or aspire too? What type of personality does a good leader require, and do you believe a leader can be taught or is it a natural ability?

If you would like to take part in our poll and tell us what does it take to be an exceptional leader, enter below or at The YE Contest Site.

**SeaSquirrel** · 08-06-2009 04:24 PM

I myself see good leaders as those who are able to get people excited. Inspiration and being able to share your vision. My current boss is such a profound speaker and is great at getting people to follow his way of business.

**EntrepreneurCoach** · 08-06-2009 07:50 PM

A great book that might help : Good to Great, Jim Collins
If you haven't read it yet, get it.

**Stucano** · 08-11-2009 06:36 PM

An exceptional leader must be willing to take risks, but also know which risks are worth taking and which are not.

**jmeijers** · 08-13-2009 08:09 AM

I would say 'building relationships'. Whether that is with suppliers, customers, employees or other people I think that is the true sign of a leader.

It is great if someone is inspiring to get people to do things his way. But I feel it is more important for a leader to be truly able to listen to others, and take that information as leverage for the relationship.

Normally 1 + 1 = 2. A good leader makes 1 + 1 equal 4.

**inle** · 08-13-2009 09:50 AM

A leader is a willing slave to his people..
Read Sun Tzu's Art of War..
There are many insights that are copied in today's texts..

**brockchong** · 08-13-2009 10:10 AM

My personal experience as a leader comes from being a senior engineer leading a team of young engineers. I would say a good leader must be able to lead and follow people at the same time as well be willing to learn from followers as well. Lead by example. Leader is also all about serving other people. To Lead is to Serve! Also including integrity. Walk the talk with consistency to earn the respect and people will follow. Last but not least, have the vision to inspire people to move forward.

Brock Chong

**bmiles** · 08-15-2009 03:33 PM

Patience, passion, compassion, and curiosity. You will go far because your curiousity will cause you to think of whats not there. Patience will keep you grounded in letting strong decisions play out. Compassion will let you understand your customer's needs and most importantly employee's needs. Passion is the fire that motivates you and keep the people you lead believing in you.

**bigredtomato** · 08-20-2009 08:28 AM

don't know if you've read it, but the best book I've ever read about entrepeneurship is Think and Grow Rich

It's an amazing book and contains interviews with over 40 millionaires (including Henry Ford, George Eastman) - yep it was written in the 1930's but it's as still true today as it was then.

I've learned a lot from this book especially - persistence. If at first you don't suceed keep trying, if the original idea is good, eventually it will all come good.

There's 13 chapters, which basically explain how millionaires think and what you can do to get that millionaire mindset.

Well worth a read! You can get a pdf of it for only $10 on my home page bigredtomatocompany.co.uk

**my_misyel** · 08-20-2009 05:36 PM

A leader is somebody who listens to his/her subordinates. He/She can consider each other's opinion and willing to take the risk. Also, a good leader is someone who is flexible and can adapt changes instantly without hesitating. Experience is the best key to learn how can you be a good leader, books are just theories.