Dear Dr. Mimi: What Makes a Leader

Dear Dr. Mimi:

Another employee and I have been discussing who makes a better leader—a person who communicates well with others or a person who gets the job done? My feeling is that you can’t have followers unless you are a good communicator, and without followers, you are not a leader. What do you think?
—Perplexed

Dear Perplexed:
This is not a new question and one that is often debated. Why? Because you need to be able to do both to be an effective leader. Effective leaders are tuned in to theneeds of their followers and the needs of the situation and are able to communicate efficiently so as to achieve positive results.

The goal of leadership is not to get more followers, but rather, to create more leaders and to get the job done. Communication is essential to develop the people AND to get the results. In our communications training, we
always say that the communication goal is to be sure that the message that is meant and sent is the message that is perceived and received. Not an easy task! Good communication involves more than giving orders and making sure they are implemented. It is empowering people to use their strengths in order to get the necessary results.
—Dr. Mimi


Leave a Reply

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Poor

    Dear Dr. Mimi,How do I ask my employer to assist me in paying for my education? I would use my education to get a better job in our company. I can’t afford it at the salary I am currently receiving. I know that they have paid others to go to classes in the past.—Poor Dear…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Improperly Trained

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I have an assignment and feel like I am falling behind because I simply don’t know what to do. I am new to the company and had one week to train and get familiar with the work environment, but I feel like my training was rushed and had gaps. How do I approach…


  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    Imposter syndrome is the belief that one’s success is due to luck rather than skill, despite evidence of competence. Here’s how to overcome it. Imposter syndrome means you care about doing well. By recognizing these feelings and challenging them, you can achieve your goals with confidence.You’ve earned your success—now own it!