Written by: Michelle Sherbun, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I’m often asked about the qualities of a great leader. While we all bring our own special magic to our roles, common threads are repeatedly present in great leaders and even greater teams.
The best leaders don’t walk in wearing their titles on their sleeves. They arrive prepared to listen. They observe. They ask questions. The best leaders I see in my practice are humbled by the responsibility's weight and the work's importance.
They hold themselves accountable to their bosses.
They also hold themselves accountable to their teams.
I call this on-purpose leadership
This approach to leadership is guided by a clear resolve and commitment to actions that transform people beyond what they perceive as limitations. Ideally, what we contribute aligns our values with meaningful work and contributions. This means that On-Purpose Leaders make intentional choices that tap into every skill needed to knit together a group of people willing to navigate around ego for the good of the whole.
I once read a Buddhist quote that has stuck with me. “The mind that perceives the limitation is the limitation.” The answer lies in our courage to take action…to move beyond our fears through our connection with ideas, each other, and our shared goals. Are we listening to each other? Do we have the information we need to make good decisions? Do we understand why we are doing what we do? How does it fit into the bigger picture?
Leaders who can bring their teams together, asking the right questions and working in unison,
make anything possible.
So, what are the qualities of On-Purpose Leaders?
Authenticity. Leaders show up as the same person in their personal and professional lives. There is consistency.
Power and influence. These are not held by one person but shared across teams.
Trust and transparency. Daily decisions are guided by transparent and honest communication.
Responsibility and accountability. Expectations are clear and monitored by the whole team.
Openness. There is a commitment to seek to understand and embrace diverse perspectives and new ideas.
Otherness. Empowering others and increasing engagement through active listening is a daily commitment.
Innovation. Creativity and curiosity are habits that stimulate innovation.
Respect. All members of the team are expected to lead each other with respect.
In my mind, the big questions are these.
Does who I am and what I do enlarge or diminish me?
Does who I am and what I do as a leader enlarge or diminish others?
Be generous. Share your wisdom.
Embrace the wisdom of those you are fortunate enough to have in your life.
And have confidence in our shared humanity.
Michelle Sherbun, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Michelle Sherbun came to her career first as a vocalist and an actor. And while she no longer performs, the listening and improv skills she honed on stage became the foundation for the leadership coaching she does today. Whether partnering with an individual leader or working with a nonprofit or business team, she taps and nurtures their courage, curiosity, and creativity to create the possible. Her favorite question: WHY?
