Everything Rise and fall on Leadership – John Maxwell.
John Maxwell, A leadership expert with over 50 years experience in leadership defines Leadership as the act of influencing a group of people towards a certain goals. However, most time this is often mistaken for management. And this is what we will be discussing on how to be a better leader that drive change in an environment.
Few years ago during my internship year, i had the privilege to have my program in an multinational cooperate organization which consist various cultural difference and somehow this showed in it leadership style. So what makes a better leader, and how can one identify or becomes a better leader that makes a difference. Here are 6 ways you can be a better leader.
1. Create Room for Replacement
This might sound contrary to some popular opinion, but what i have discovered is that great leaders prepare for their replacement, they know they can be replaced, they even want to be replaced, and by so doing they are actively presence in the live of other to build them up for something greater. I once heard a saying from my boss during my internship year, He said—“The moment you are constantly available it a sign that you have not raised capable hands and you are scared.” This doesn’t mean you dont take your work seriously, but it a act of knowing when you are needed and letting others shine while you all win together.
2. Have a “WHY” to Serve
Leadership that’s not service based is only an act of self promotion. People will only follow you when you have first serve them and proven to them you are for them, else you will only be consider a tyrant. leadership with a strong sense of purpose creates a ripple effect that can transform not only your life but also the lives of those around you. A purposeful leader inspires others to be their best selves and helps create a culture of positivity and growth. They also create a vision that others can believe in and work towards, leading to greater collaboration, teamwork, and success.
For example, consider a teacher who is passionate about education and has a clear purpose to help their students succeed. This purpose drives the teacher to put in extra effort, to be creative in their teaching methods, and to be a positive role model for their students. This, in turn, inspires the students to work harder, to believe in themselves, and to make a positive impact in the world.
3. Become Trustworthy
Every relationship can cause a change can only be built on trust. Your words lose credibility if your action doesn’t match. Every great leader must be trusted by their people before they are willing to follow. Irrespective of your field, Can I trust you? To become a leader who truly drives change, start by building trust through honesty, accountability, and integrity. Be transparent in your decisions, consistent in your actions, and humble enough to admit mistakes. Listen deeply, empower others, and value their ideas. When your team trusts your words and intentions, they’ll not only follow your lead—they’ll help you shape lasting impact.
4. Have Good Values
Les Brown once said that leadership around the world is failing because of a lack of values — and time has proven him right. Across industries and nations, we’ve witnessed how the absence of core values leads to broken trust, poor decisions, and organizational collapse. True leadership isn’t just about strategy, influence, or power — it’s about integrity.
Values form the moral compass that guides every great leader. They shape decisions, define behavior, and ensure actions align with purpose and principle. When leaders embody values such as honesty, respect, accountability, and empathy, they don’t just manage people — they inspire them. Their consistency builds trust, boosts morale, and strengthens team unity.
In contrast, when values are compromised, credibility fades and leadership crumbles. The best leaders don’t just talk about values — they live them daily. Real leadership, therefore, isn’t about commanding others; it’s about walking the walk and leading by example.
5. Build Up Self- Awareness
In the words of Aristotle, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Centuries later, that truth still echoes powerfully—especially in leadership. Self-awareness is more than just recognizing your emotions; it’s understanding how they shape your thoughts, behaviors, and decisions. It’s the foundation of emotional intelligence and the quiet strength behind great leadership. Building up self awareness/Emotional awareness is a very crucial skill for a better leadership, in my podcast we had an EQ Expert talk more about the importance of this in every field. You can checkout the full episode HERE
In today’s fast-paced world, where decisions must be made swiftly and relationships constantly managed, self-awareness is not optional —it’s essential. Leaders who cultivate it are better equipped to recognize their strengths, confront their weaknesses, and regulate their emotions before reacting impulsively. This clarity allows them to lead with empathy, fairness, and vision rather than ego or emotion.
True leadership begins with self-leadership. When you understand yourself deeply—your triggers, values, and motivations—you gain the power to lead others more effectively. Building self-awareness isn’t just personal growth; it’s the cornerstone of wise, authentic, and impactful leadership.
6. Keep Growing
Growth is inevitable and should be considered number one for any leader who aspire to be better. Great leaders understand that growth never stops. People with a growth mindset approach learning with curiosity and humility — always open to new ideas and willing to challenge what they already know. As Adam Grant, author of Think Again, reminds us, true success lies not just in what we learn, but in our ability to unlearn and rethink. In a world that evolves faster than ever, clinging to old ways of thinking is a dangerous trap.
Look around — everything around us constantly updates: our phones, cars, apps, and even the food in our fridge. Yet many leaders forget that their mindset and skills need the same renewal. The truth is, knowledge has an expiration date. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow.
To stay relevant, effective, and inspiring, leaders must see learning not as an event but as a lifestyle. The moment you stop learning, you stop leading. Growth requires curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to question what you think you know — again and again.
Final Thoughts
The Future Belongs to Leaders Who Evolve – It’s a journey of continuous growth and transformation. The most effective leaders know that driving change starts from within. When you lead with purpose, integrity, authenticity, and self-awareness, growth naturally follows.
Ask yourself today: What’s one change I can make to become a better version of myself as a leader?
Because real change doesn’t begin with the world—it begins with you.
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