A true leader – you will know them by their fruit.

How would you know if someone is a true leader?

I guess that would depend on your definition.

And by "true," I mean honest, genuine, authentic, and natural instead of "false," meaning dishonest, deceptive, misguided, dysfunctional or fake.

As I pondered this question, I thought about both the attributes of a leader and the impact of a leader. And while considering both, I found it hard to write a one-sentence definition. This difficulty led me to ask the following question.

Is a leader defined by their attributes or their impact?

As I thought about this additional question, the following familiar, well-engrained thought surfaced –

You will know them by their fruit.

This simple truth became stuck in the forefront of my mind. And from this truth, I found my definition easy to write -

"A true leader connects with, inspires and unites people - leading them down the right path while focusing on doing the right things for the right reasons and creating a culture of doing the right things in the right way."

So, I asked myself, "Does my definition reflect a leader's attributes or impact?"

My conclusion was that it focused on actions that yield an impact. The nature of such impact - its qualities and characteristics - yields the fruits of leadership, whether good, bad or mediocre.

I also felt that from these actions and the nature of their impact, I would most likely be able to identify leadership attributes - qualities, characteristics, or traits that formed the core attributes of a true leader.

First, to lead, people must follow. They can be forced, coerced or manipulated into following by some so-called leaders. However, people are naturally, of their own free will, drawn to follow a true leader.

So, what draws people to follow a leader willingly?

True leaders recognize the importance of relationships – connecting with those they lead. They understand that relationships are built on trust and healthy, transparent communication. They listen intentively and know how to ask the right questions.

They believe trust must be earned. They exude an authentically strong character, demonstrated in part by their words matching their actions and behavior. They build bridges between themselves and those they lead and take responsibility for constructing them from the people they lead to themselves, not vice versa.

Second, true leaders inspire those they lead to aspire for and rise to greater heights. They don't hold people down; they lift them up by nurturing those they lead. They encourage, motivate and challenge people to achieve excellence in character and performance while fostering the ongoing development of current and future leaders.

I think the following words of Peter F. Drucker best represent my thoughts -

"Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard,
the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations. "

Third, true leaders unite those they lead - coalesced around a shared vision, purpose and mission built upon core values. They lead in defining why we do this, what makes it important, and how each person, regardless of title or role, is integrally and intrinsically connected – and therefore essential.

Fourth, a true leader leads people down the right path. They continually scan the horizon to stay on the best course. They recognize when change is needed and know when and how to pivot and shift direction. And I love the quote from John Maxwell, leadership authority and New York Times bestselling author, coach and speaker -

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way."

Fifth, true leaders focus on doing the right things. According to Peter F. Drucker, considered the father of modern management thinking,

"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right thing."

And it is not just doing the right things but also doing the right things for the right reasons. Leaders are responsible for making tough decisions – and understanding how their decisions impact those they serve on a macro and micro level. The question that might not be asked and is sometimes hard to answer is, "What is my motive?"

A leader may focus solely on producing financial returns for themselves and others while at the same time having little to no concern for the people who produce them or maybe even their customer base. Similarly, reaching a top leadership spot may be more about title, authority and ego than responsibility for those being led and served. According to Jack Welch, legendary CEO of General Electric -

"When you were made a leader, you weren't given a crown; you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in others."

I would suggest that If the "right things" are not in the best interests of all those you serve as a leader, including your shareholders, your people and your customers – it's likely not the right thing, or possibly not based on the right reasoning or, at the very least, requires more scrutiny.

Sixth, even though Peter F. Drucker stated, "Management is responsible for doing things right," I believe a true leader is responsible for creating a culture of doing things right. A true leader influences and is responsible for all under their leadership. If a leader sets the example by leading in the right way, the same leader can influence those in management to ensure things are done the right way throughout the organization.

In addition, leadership is not limited to those in organizations or companies with an executive title. Managers, directors, team leaders, supervisors and high-impact employees can positively influence their organizations by developing, refining and exercising leadership skills. Leadership throughout an organization impacts workplace culture. And culture impacts employee engagement, productivity and company profitability.

Finally, true leadership is needed in our families and communities as much as in the workplace. It may seem different, but when I wrote my definition, I thought of both, especially as a father.

To personalize this thought, I would ask you to consider the following poignant statement from Peter F. Drucker. And please include thinking not only of those you may lead at work but also in your community and specifically in your family – especially your kids, because that was my first thought when I found this statement.

"The fruit of our work grows up on other people's trees."

And you will be known by their fruit.