Over my 25 years in business, I have noticed several positive traits in leaders I really admire. I have also observed the traits of some, who though in a management or leadership position, are not leaders by any stretch of the imagination. Today, we will discuss a leadership technique that works wonders.

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a true leader in action. This true leader excelled at stepping back to allow his key employees to take the lead, shine, and get the credit for the success in their business. In other words, he watched his employees from a distance as they worked to complete their assignments, and he did not hover over them or get in their way. As I observed the employees, I could see they were really enjoying their jobs. I was truly encouraged and impressed by the level of confidence and ability to take risks that I witnessed in these employees–so much so, that I made note of it and decided to write about the qualities that are required to capture this leadership style.

First of all, this leader has buckets of self-confidence. He has the confidence to hire quality people and he has the confidence to trust those people to do the job he has hired them to do. In this day and age, it can sometimes be risky to trust people, however an effective leader is assured that the quality people he has hired will not let him or the business down.

Secondly, this leader has received his glory because his people have excelled. He is a humble, genuine and sincere man, and people will move mountains for this kind of leader.

Thirdly, quality people are drawn to true leaders. In fact, employees will not only do what is required of them; they will often go above and beyond the call of duty, working weekends and after hours, for a leader who trusts the people like this friend of mine trusts his people.

Leadership that works wonders doesn’t occur overnight. It is an on-going process. True leaders know that they must continue to learn and grow and refine their leadership skills everyday. I know this week I am going to step back and allow others to shine and get the credit. How about you?

A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.