According to a study done by DDI, out of 1000 individuals, 57% of employees quit specifically because of their boss. We’ve all experienced bosses. Some worse than others. But have you experienced leadership?

 I mean really experienced leadership. Who has supported, mentored, and pushed you to become who you are today? How would you describe that relationship or individual?

Someone who is organized, helpful, and passionate are common characteristics. If you google “what makes a good leader?” you may find similar answers.

I believe great leaders build leaders. Real leaders have the courage to truly build their team. They don’t just command because they know the answer, but they test because if you figure it out for yourself it’s worth the time and investment for your growth.

Have you ever been challenged or questioned to a point of self-doubt resulting in fighting to show your capabilities? It’s very frustrating, but through the process you’ll find you are more than capable, and you realize taking it to the next level was not that difficult. You’d probably even do it again.

I know, sounds a little intense but leaders are only partially born the way they are. It is a long journey to develop as a leader. They often fail, miserably. They must start from zero. Again, again, and again.

I think real leaders have “ugly” sides. The one that you absolutely despise but that pushes you until you either break or build. I know, it is not fun, but the ugly side is what develops you. They have the courage to be disliked by their team knowing that the end result will be beneficial for the individual.  Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, Henry Ford, I don’t know if you’ve heard of them, but they’ve done incredible things and they weren’t always the most pleasant to work alongside.

That ugly side is what continues to build the next generation of leaders. If your leader or manager sees your potential and what you’re capable of, they will not stop pushing until you reach that point. Again, it is not easy, or fun, often times you may fall into that 57%. Great leaders can push you to be a greater version of yourself while joining you in the passion to do so.

Or you can be babysat. “Good jobs” and gold stars. But did you truly grow from that? Probably not.  Nowadays, people often stay in their role for years doing the same thing and call it growth. 

Maybe you don’t agree. Again, this is just my opinion. But I challenge you to find leadership that pushes you to be better. Not in a nice, squishy way, but in a way you don’t want to face because you know the growing pains will hurt. I believe nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.