What Makes a Good Leader

I could sit here and write another listicle you’ve probably seen a million times or point you toward some inspirational TED Talk on YouTube. But here's the thing: I’m not trying to impress you with wisdom or dictate what the golden ticket is for leadership success—I’m just here to cheer you on.
Imagine this: we’re huddled as a team during a timeout with just three seconds left on the clock. All we need is a three-point shot to snag the win. What do we do? Scream demands? Make threats? No way. We listen to the players. Just like a coach who sees Olympic dreams in their athletes, a great leader sees the potential and greatness in each member of the team. They lift us up, give us the power to lead on our own, and remind us of our shared purpose.
"A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are." - Ara Parseghian
A true leader listens—not just with their ears but with their heart. When you feel heard, you respond with your best. It’s remarkable what we can achieve when we know someone’s got our backs and is sprinting to the finish line with us.
You’ve already got the skills; my job is to help you tap into them. You don’t need someone directing your every move—you have the instincts. A leader unlocks your potential, transforming “What do you think?” into “Watch this!”
We’re in this together. Leadership isn’t about standing at the front; it’s about walking alongside your team every step of the way. We win together, celebrate together, and learn from every misstep—together. Leadership is not about the self; it's about service. There's an African proverb that goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."
So, let’s lift each other up. Lead from the heart—with purpose and integrity. You got this.
Finn Paige, Creative Director