Over the holidays I have been thinking about what makes a great leader, a great manager, a great headteacher...

It's a starter for ten but I think that really great leaders...

• Let go of things others can do.
• Encourage initiative, ideas, and risk taking.
• Ensure that people have clear goals and know how they're doing.
• Delegate to challenge, develop, and empower.
• Coach to ensure success.
• Constantly reinforce good work and good attempts.
• Share information, knowledge, and skills.
• Value, trust, and respect each colleague.
• Provide support without taking over.
• Practice what they preach.

I thought we should create a list...

• Really great leaders coach, mentor and develop colleagues talents and abilities;
• Really great leaders nurture, empathise and support colleagues through good and bad times;
• Really great leaders constantly communicate, explain and clarify a shared vision, values and beliefs;
• Really great leaders engage, trust and empower colleagues to be passionate and commited advocates;
• Really great leaders develop colleagues and encourage their passionate participation;
• Really great leaders develop the culture by recognising colleagues strengths and differences;
• Really great leaders celebrate and reward colleagues achievements.

Let me know your list.

Chris