There are all kinds of ways of defining a good leader. Therefore there are no right or wrong answers to this question.
I think the best leaders are determined by results. However these results can be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Quantitative:
- Did he/she attain the stated sales/profit goals?
- Did he/she attain the stated increase in market share?
- Did he/she launch an important new product successfully?
However, in many cases, the Qualitative measurements are at least if not more important in certain circumstances such as in a “turn around” situation or a new company start-up in its later stages.
- Does the CEO (leader) have a clear vision and able to articulate it to management?
- Has the CEO (leader) recognized his/her weaknesses and hired people who posses those strengths to fill those weaknesses?
- Is the CEO (leader) able to “rally” the troops to get the job done?
Both of these measurements are very important. Although sales and profits ultimately define the success of a good leader, long term success relies on the qualitative as well.
Hey, no one said this was going to be easy!
