What Makes a Great Leader in Today’s World?

In today’s fast-paced world, leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about self-awareness, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others. At Rapport Leadership, we believe great leaders are built through experience, training, and a deep commitment to growth.

So what exactly makes someone a great leader in today’s world?

1. Great Leaders Take Ownership

At the core of leadership is accountability. When things go wrong, true leaders do not blame others. Instead, they reflect and ask, “Where else in my life is this showing up?” This powerful question, used throughout Rapport’s Leadership Breakthrough One class, helps leaders identify patterns, own their decisions, and lead from a place of integrity.

Ownership creates trust. And trust is the foundation of any high-performing team.

2. They Communicate with Purpose

Strong communication is not just about speaking clearly. It is about listening deeply, asking the right questions, and ensuring your message lands with impact. In Rapport’s Power Communication training, leaders learn to align their words with their actions, creating consistency and connection.

This skill has never been more important. As organizations become more remote and hybrid, purposeful communication becomes essential.

📖 Related Reading: The Pandemic Proved That Remote Leadership Works – Harvard Business Review
This article explores how effective leadership is evolving in remote environments, emphasizing clarity, empathy, and influence without physical proximity.

3. They Embrace Discomfort to Grow

Growth does not happen in your comfort zone. But it also does not happen in your panic zone. The best leaders know how to stretch themselves and others just enough to build confidence and capability.

In Leadership Breakthrough One, participants learn to recognize the difference between these zones and how to take bold, decisive action without fear. Discomfort is not a signal to stop. It is often a sign that breakthrough is coming.

4. They Cast Vision and Inspire Action

Leadership without vision is like a ship without a compass. Great leaders do more than set goals. They inspire people to believe in something bigger than themselves.

Creating a compelling vision gives teams purpose and direction. It builds alignment and motivation. In Leadership Breakthrough Two, leaders refine this skill through hands-on challenges and peer feedback.

📖 Related Reading: How a CFO’s Modular Leadership Approach Can Unlock Business Potential – The Australian
This article highlights how leaders are moving away from rigid top-down control and embracing team autonomy, shared values, and decentralized decision-making to unlock innovation.

5. They Lead by Example

The most effective leaders do not just talk about values. They live them. Their actions, consistency, and willingness to go first earn them respect.

When a leader sets the tone, others follow. Whether it is showing up early, giving credit, or owning a mistake, leading by example builds culture and momentum.

Leadership Is Learned, Not Given

At Rapport Leadership, we believe that leadership is not something you are born with. It is something you commit to. Through immersive, experiential training, we help leaders unlock their full potential and create lasting impact in their organizations and communities.

Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level?

Explore Leadership Breakthrough One or check out all of our upcoming classes.

Want More? Here Are Two External Articles to Explore

1. The Pandemic Proved That Remote Leadership Works – Harvard Business Review
   Learn how today’s most effective leaders are excelling in remote and hybrid environments by focusing on clarity, trust, and intentionality.

2. How a CFO’s Modular Leadership Approach Can Unlock Business Potential – The Australian
   Discover how decentralizing leadership, empowering teams, and emphasizing empathy can fuel innovation and growth.