Have you ever watched a leader in action and thought, Wow, how do they do it?
I’ve found myself wondering the same thing, especially in my early days of running startups.
There was always that one person who managed to bring out the best in others, steer the ship toward a compelling vision, and stay calm in the face of chaos—all without breaking a sweat.
Every time I’d come across someone like that, I’d ask myself: What’s the secret sauce here?
Turns out, it’s not really a secret. Simon Sinek, the author of books like Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last, has pretty much spelled it out for us.
And no, it’s not about being a genius or having the biggest budget in the room. Sinek’s insights suggest that truly remarkable leaders share a handful of qualities—some of which might seem obvious, yet aren’t always practiced.
If you’re curious about what sets these leaders apart, let’s dive right in.
1. They lead with a clear ‘why’
One thing I’ve consistently noticed in leaders worth following is how they’re driven by purpose, not just profit.
This aligns perfectly with what Sinek champions in Start with Why. He reminds us that “people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.”
In other words, a compelling mission is often more powerful than a robust business plan alone.
Whether it’s building an app that simplifies everyday tasks or running a grassroots campaign that tackles social issues, these leaders focus on the deeper reason that inspires everyone to pull together.
I saw this firsthand when I was involved in a startup that aimed to help small businesses transition to e-commerce smoothly.
Our ‘why’ was to empower mom-and-pop shops so they wouldn’t get left behind in the digital age.
Having that crystal-clear purpose kept our team energized, even when the daily grind got tough.
If you’re thinking about your own leadership approach, ask yourself: What’s my “why,” and is it compelling enough to keep people engaged for the long haul?
2. They put empathy front and center
Effective leaders also have an amazing knack for connecting with people on a human level. They’re not just barking orders from some ivory tower; they actually care about what their teams are feeling and experiencing.
Sinek famously said, “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.”
That’s empathy in action. It’s about understanding that the folks you lead aren’t just employees or followers; they’re real people with genuine needs, fears, and motivations.
There’s some solid research behind this, too. A study found that managers who practice empathy tend to produce higher-performing teams.
Personally, I’ve noticed that even small gestures—like asking someone how their day is really going—can make a world of difference.
It’s not rocket science, but it takes consistency. By choosing to see everyone on your team as a full-fledged human being, not just a cog in the wheel, you’ll foster loyalty that money can’t buy.
3. They communicate with clarity and transparency
I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that vague instructions lead to big headaches.
When there’s a lack of clarity, people fill in the gaps with their own assumptions, and that’s a recipe for confusion.
Great leaders remove ambiguity by communicating their vision, expectations, and feedback with as much clarity as possible.
It’s not about micromanaging; it’s about ensuring everyone is on the same page so they can make better decisions independently.
As he points out, “Transparency doesn’t mean sharing every detail. Transparency means providing the context for the decisions we make.”
In other words, if your team is only hearing half the story, they’ll never be able to give their best effort.
With open channels of communication, you create an environment where people feel informed and, more importantly, valued.
4. They build trust through consistency
Trust isn’t something you can demand; it’s something you earn over time. That’s where consistency comes in.
In my experience, the best leaders are the ones who keep their promises, show up the same way day after day, and treat everyone with equal respect regardless of rank.
It’s like they have an internal compass that points north, no matter the external pressures.
Sinek talks a lot about “creating a circle of safety” within an organization, a space where team members feel secure enough to take risks and speak up.
Consistency is a big part of that.
When you consistently protect your team—rather than throwing them under the bus to save face—you send a clear message that you have their back.
This not only encourages team members to innovate, but it also strengthens the bond you have with them.
In the long run, that level of trust can become a significant competitive advantage.
5. They foster a sense of purpose and belonging
Ever felt like you were just a number on someone’s spreadsheet? That’s exactly the opposite of how successful leaders make their teams feel.
Sinek has repeatedly stressed that when people feel they belong to something bigger than themselves, they’ll go above and beyond.
It’s not just corporate-speak; there’s actual data to back this up. According to an APA report, employees who feel a strong sense of belonging and purpose are more engaged and perform better.
I once worked under a CEO who made a point of celebrating every small win—no matter how trivial it seemed.
At first, I thought it was just a morale-boosting trick, but then I realized it helped us see how each person’s contribution was essential to the mission.
Suddenly, even the most mundane tasks felt like important steps toward achieving a shared dream.
If you want to lead like that, ask yourself: Am I highlighting the bigger picture so my team knows how they fit into it?
6. They put people before themselves
According to a Gallup poll, employees who feel supported by their managers are 70% less stressed and more productive. No surprises there—it’s human nature.
People thrive under leadership that sees them as individuals to nurture, not just resources to exploit.
Sinek’s book Leaders Eat Last is practically an ode to this idea as well – that leadership is about service, not status.
In a literal sense, it means letting your team grab lunch before you do, but of course, there’s more to it.
It’s about being willing to sacrifice personal gain or comfort for the benefit of those you lead.
Think about the managers who stick around after hours to help their team meet a deadline or the founders who forgo a salary so their employees can get paid first in tough times.
In my own journey, I’ve seen how this selfless approach wins hearts in a way that top-down authority never could.
It’s like the difference between a boss who says, “Get it done,” and a leader who says, “How can I help you succeed?”
7. They have an infinite mindset
One of Sinek’s more recent themes is what he calls “The Infinite Game.”
Unlike a finite game, where there are winners and losers, an infinite game has no end; it’s all about continuing to play.
Leaders with an infinite mindset focus on long-term growth, adaptability, and resilience.
They’re not merely fixated on quarterly targets or immediate wins.
They’re looking to build something that can stand the test of time, which often means investing in relationships, culture, and continuous innovation.
I remember pivoting one of my startups after a product launch flopped. Our short-term losses stung, but staying stuck on immediate failure was never the plan.
A finite mindset might have led us to shut down at the first sign of trouble.
But by adopting a bigger-picture perspective—How can we pivot so our company remains relevant?—we kept morale high and eventually found a new product-market fit.
As Sinek puts it, “The goal is not to win; the goal is to keep playing.”
It’s a perspective shift that can change how you approach every obstacle, making you more open to risks and more determined to bounce back.
Wrapping things up, but it’s still a big deal…
It’s easy to look at great leaders and assume they were born different. But from what I’ve seen—and from what Simon Sinek so often emphasizes—leadership is a skill set built around purpose, empathy, clarity, trust, belonging, selflessness, and an infinite mindset.
In short, it’s about showing up for people in a way that inspires them to be their best, day in and day out.
Here at Small Biz Technology, we’re all about giving you the tools and insights you need to grow, adapt, and thrive—regardless of how quickly the world changes around us.
If you take anything from this post, let it be that real leadership goes beyond corporate titles or bullet points on a résumé.
It’s a mindset and a daily practice. Cultivate these seven qualities, and you’ll be amazed at the ripple effect it has on your team, your business, and even yourself.
Until next time, friends.
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