This is the 9th part of my “leadership” series.

Good leadership is a very subjective measure. Do you measure the results or do you measure the man? Can you ever get the real measure of a man in the first place, and are results all that they are cut out to be?

Whatever your yardstick, good leaders usually share similar characteristics and beliefs. One of those almost universal beliefs would surely be, that no leader can be considered successful without a successful team. A General with his entire army wiped out can hardly be considered a success, even if he is the last man standing. Hero, maybe, but a successful leader; that is debatable.

If a leader’s success is measured by his team’s success, then it is clear that all leaders should ensure that everyone experiences success. No glory seeker would ever be successful over the long term, exceptions aside. A leader must be able to attribute successes to each team member. In any endeavour, there will be milestones; and each milestone can be measured for success. Celebrate these successes. No matter how small an accomplishment, it cannot be too small to be ignored. No task is unworthy. A leader who knows how to draw out the best in his team usually knows how to show appreciation for their efforts.

Yet, a good leader also knows that showing appreciation is not limited to successes. There will be many stumbles along the path to success. Yet, each stumble, no matter how painful, still works towards bringing the team that one tiny bit closer to its objectives. Here lies the distinction between a good leader and a truly great leader. Balance the struggles of the team with its triumphs, reward the heart. Allowing even the weakest member to experience appreciation might do nothing for the “bottom line”, but the overall impact on the team is tremendous.

Everyone knows to show appreciation in the light of success. But for the good leaders, showing appreciation is both a skill and an art. A tool and a reward. It is both a carrot and the stick. Beware the trap of favoritism.