We asked the marketing executives in our spring LEAP class a simple but revealing question: What traits and characteristics do leaders you admire exemplify?
The answers weren’t vague or idealistic — they were visceral, specific, deeply human, and rooted in action. These are real behaviors that build trust, unlock potential, and serve as powerful models for those stepping into leadership.
Here’s what they shared:
1. They defend the team — “10 toes in.”
Great leaders have your back. Loudly. Consistently. Especially when you’re not in the room. They protect in public, offer feedback in private, and never leave you hanging.
“They might offer tough feedback behind closed doors — but they’ll never let you fall alone.”
2. They set the bar high — and believe you’ll rise.
They challenge you to level up — not with pressure, but with belief. That combination inspires boldness.
“A leader once told me, ‘I have high expectations for you — but even higher confidence you’ll crush it. That changed everything.”
3. They stay above the noise.
When tensions rise, they don’t spiral — they steady. Their calm is felt, contagious, and often the difference between panic and progress.
"They stay grounded. Their presence alone can de-escalate a room."
4. They celebrate who you are — not just what you could be.
Recognition is personal. It’s not just about potential, it’s about presence. Great leaders see you, value you, and say it out loud.
“They don’t just see my potential. They celebrate me. That goes such a long way.”
5. They lead with trust, not control.
They don’t micromanage. They give space, autonomy, and ownership — and with it, a sense of purpose and pride.
"That trust makes you want to rise to the occasion."
6. They lead with empathy and realness.
They don’t separate leadership from humanity. They acknowledge the juggle, the stretch, the struggle — and lead with care and context, not just KPIs.
“Their vulnerability doesn’t weaken them. It makes them magnetic.”
7. They care enough to call you out.
They don’t sidestep hard truths. They lean in, give honest feedback, and hold you accountable — because your growth matters to them.
“They are comfortable giving honest feedback because they are invested in my success.”
8. They’re transparent, even when it’s uncomfortable.
They tell the truth. Offer real context. And walk you through the messy middle — not just the polished end.
“Being clear and honest about what I’m up against and giving guidance on how to approach it — even sharing a bit more than they should.”
9. They reframe challenges as growth moments.
They shift perspective. Not to sugarcoat, but to reveal opportunity — in the work, the team, and yourself.
“They help you see how challenge is actually fuel.”
10. They refuse to let you play small.
They see more in you than you see in yourself — and push you toward it. They nudge, coach, and provoke you into your next level.
“It’s not always comfortable. But it’s always worth it.”
This isn’t just a list — it’s a mirror. A reflection of what people actually need from leadership today: clarity, courage, trust, and humanity. In LEAP, we don’t just talk about these traits — we help leaders live them.