Can We Measure Our Leadership Impact?
Outstanding leadership doesn’t hide—you see it in how an organization breathes and operates daily, in the energy of its people, and in the momentum behind its mission.
Before diving into the telltale signs of exceptional leadership, let’s pause for a moment of reflection and caution.
Give Your New Initiatives Time to Take Root
First, don’t judge yourself too harshly. Leadership requires a willingness to grow, and growth takes time. We all start where we are—but the key is that we start. Don’t expect overnight transformation when you implement new directions or adjust your leadership style. Those with experience in change management know that people adapt slowly, especially when asked to embrace new ways of thinking and working. Patience and persistence are essential.
Don’t Expect to Excel in Every Area
You’re human, leading other humans in service of yet more humans. My point? Leadership exists in a complex web of unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond your control. You can’t be all things to all people, and that’s okay. What matters is striving to be the best version of yourself each day. In doing so, you model what it means to be a leader who embraces growth, adapts with resilience, and faces strengths and challenges gracefully.
With that foundation, let’s examine some factors that you can use to measure the impact of your leadership style and skills.
People thrive, not just survive
A well-led organization is one where employees feel energized and engaged. They’re not clocking in and out to get through the day; they’re invested in the work because it matters to them, and they know they matter to the organization.
Collaboration feels natural
Teamwork flows naturally and without force. Ideas flow freely, conversations are productive, and respect underpins every interaction. Silos are rare, and people actively seek to connect across teams to solve problems and create opportunities.
Low turnover speaks volumes
When people stay, it’s not just for the paycheck. It’s because they see a future, feel valued, and know they’re part of something they believe in. Great leaders build environments people don’t want to leave.
Resilience breeds confidence
Challenges are inevitable, but under strong leadership, they’re met with focus and adaptability. Teams rally together, guided by a clear vision and the confidence that they’ll emerge stronger on the other side.
Growth is a shared priority
In exceptional organizations, development isn’t limited to skill-building programs. Leadership actively supports growth in every sense—personal, professional, and even emotional. People are encouraged to stretch beyond what they thought possible.
Alignment feels effortless
The vision isn’t just a lofty statement on a wall; it’s alive and present in daily decisions and actions. Everyone understands the “why” behind their work, creating a sense of unity that drives progress.
Empowerment is the norm
Leaders trust their people and give them space to lead in their roles. Empowerment brings quiet confidence and reveals how employees step up, make decisions, and own outcomes.
Creativity is celebrated – not stifled
Organizations with outstanding leadership embrace innovation. They create environments where new ideas are encouraged, people are empowered to take risks, and lessons from failures fuel the next big breakthrough.
Aim for Outstanding Leadership
When you walk into an organization with outstanding leadership, you feel it. It’s in how people carry themselves, the energy in the room, and the results they achieve together. It’s less about the words and more about what’s lived every day.
“People will try to tell you that all the great opportunities have been snapped up. In reality, the world changes every second, blowing new opportunities in all directions, including yours.”— Ken Hakuta
Aiming for outstanding leadership is our goal. We stretch, adapt, and flex to meet that goal. And when, as we know will happen, we have a lackluster day or week or even a quarter, that leader knows to refresh, regroup, and keep doing the right things every day until you see the change.
