Leadership is more than just calling the shots. It’s about guiding a team to success and inspiring them to be the best they can be.

Often, the most impactful signs of great leadership are subtle, easily missed by the untrained eye.

I’m here to tell you that recognizing these signs can help you identify true leaders in your midst. Even better? It can teach you how to be a better leader yourself.

So, let’s dive in and explore these 8 rare signs of great leadership that most people miss.

1) Tuning into team emotions

Great leaders aren’t just about achieving targets and goals. They’re also about understanding the people they’re leading.

It’s easy to overlook, but a leader’s ability to sense the emotional climate within their team is a rare trait. This is more than just being able to read body language and facial expressions. It’s about understanding the underlying feelings and moods that drive team dynamics.

This level of emotional intelligence can help a leader to foster a positive work environment, address issues before they escalate, and keep morale high even during challenging times.

So, if you see someone who seems to have a sixth sense for the feelings of their team, you may be looking at a great leader in action.

2) Turning mistakes into learning opportunities

I’ll never forget a manager I had early in my career.

One day, I made a significant mistake on a project. I was sure she’d be angry, and I feared the worst for my job. But instead of reprimanding me, she sat me down and calmly discussed what had happened.

She explained the impact of my error but also emphasized that it was an opportunity for me to learn and grow. She showed me how to rectify it, and we discussed strategies to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

It was then that I realized the power of this rare leadership trait. Great leaders don’t react to mistakes with anger or punishment. Instead, they use them as teaching moments, helping their team members to improve and grow from their experiences.

This ability to turn blunders into learning opportunities is a sign of great leadership that often goes unnoticed.

3) Empowering others to lead

Great leaders understand that leadership isn’t just about them. It’s about building a team where everyone feels empowered to take the lead when necessary.

In fact, a study from Harvard Business Review found that teams with shared leadership were more effective in complex decision-making tasks than those with a single leader.

So, if you notice a leader encouraging team members to step up, take initiative, and make decisions, you’re witnessing a sign of great leadership often missed by many. They understand that to build a successful team, everyone should have the opportunity to shine.

4) Leading by example

Actions speak louder than words, and this is especially true in leadership. Great leaders don’t just tell their teams what to do, they show them.

They are the first to arrive and the last to leave. They work hard, take responsibility, and show respect to everyone in the team. They don’t shy away from the difficult tasks and they’re not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Essentially, they embody the values, work ethic, and behavior they expect from their team. This isn’t always a grand gesture or a visible display, which is why it’s often missed.

So, if you see a leader who consistently walks their talk, you’ve spotted a rare sign of great leadership.

5) Showing empathy

In the hustle and bustle of work, it’s easy to forget that we’re all human. We have lives outside of work, filled with joys, sorrows, and challenges.

Great leaders don’t just recognize this fact, they embrace it. They take the time to understand their team members on a personal level. They show genuine concern for their well-being and are there to support them during tough times.

This empathy creates a bond between the leader and their team. It fosters a sense of trust and respect that is crucial for a successful working relationship.

So remember, if you see a leader who takes the time to truly understand and care for their team, you’re witnessing a rare sign of great leadership that many often miss.

6) Welcoming feedback

One of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do as a leader was to open myself up to feedback from my team. It was a vulnerable moment, knowing I had areas to improve and grow in.

But I also understood it was one of the most important things I could do. Because great leaders know they don’t have all the answers. They are open to feedback and willing to learn from those they lead.

So, if you see a leader who actively seeks out feedback and responds to it constructively, you’re witnessing a rare sign of great leadership. It shows humility, a commitment to personal growth, and respect for the opinions of their team.

7) Embracing change

In today’s fast-paced world, change is the only constant. Great leaders understand this and are not only prepared for change, but actively embrace it.

They see change as an opportunity for growth and innovation. They encourage their teams to adapt and evolve, fostering a culture of flexibility and resilience.

But more than that, they model this adaptability themselves. They are willing to pivot when necessary, and aren’t afraid to leave their comfort zone.

So if you see a leader who thrives in the face of change, you’ve spotted another rare sign of great leadership.

8) Putting the team first

At the heart of great leadership is a simple truth: it’s not about you, it’s about your team.

Great leaders put their team’s needs before their own. They celebrate their team’s successes, and take responsibility for their failures. They are committed to their team’s growth and development, and they work tirelessly to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

This unwavering commitment to their team is perhaps the most important sign of great leadership. And yet, it’s one that is often overlooked. So if you see a leader who consistently puts their team first, know that you’re seeing a truly great leader in action.

A deeper understanding of leadership

The pursuit of great leadership is a journey, not a destination. It’s about striving for continuous growth, learning from our experiences, and embracing the complexities of human dynamics.

The eight signs we’ve explored in this article serve as a roadmap for this journey. They are rare because they require a level of self-awareness, empathy, and humility that’s not often seen.

A quote by John Quincy Adams encapsulates this perfectly: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

So as we navigate our own leadership journeys, let’s strive to embody these traits. Because great leadership isn’t about standing above others, it’s about lifting them up.

Remember, the greatest leaders aren’t just remembered for what they achieved, but for whom they inspired and empowered along the way.