9 Signs of Truly Great Leadership, According to Cicely Simpson’s Viral LinkedIn Post

In a recent LinkedIn post, Cicely Simpson explores the often-subtle but critical qualities that distinguish genuinely effective leaders from those who merely hold a title. Simpson contrasts the superficial impressions leaders can make with the deeper substance that truly earns a team’s respect and dedication.

Simpson begins by highlighting a common disconnect: while most team members can identify their leader’s job title, few can articulate what truly makes that leader valuable. This observation sets the stage for her detailed breakdown of leadership attributes. As Cicely Simpson notes:

“Most team members can name their leader’s job title. Few can name what actually makes them worth working for.”

The Substance of Effective Leadership

Simpson’s post outlines nine key indicators of a leader who consistently demonstrates strong character and effective management. These are not just theoretical ideals but actionable practices that foster trust and growth within a team. She emphasizes that these qualities are evident regardless of whether the leader is having a good or bad day, distinguishing them from leaders whose positive demeanor is merely a facade.

Fostering Growth and Collaboration

Among the core tenets Simpson identifies is the practice of making room for individuals to outgrow their current roles. This involves proactively identifying and supporting an employee’s next career step, rather than viewing their advancement as a personal threat. Simpson elaborates on this point:

“Never treats another person’s growth as a threat.”

Furthermore, Simpson stresses the importance of inclusive decision-making. Great leaders, according to her analysis, actively seek input from their teams before announcing decisions. This collaborative approach, while potentially slowing down the process, ensures buy-in and leverages the collective wisdom of the group. As Cicely Simpson argues, a leader should:

“Bring people into the decision instead of just the announcement.”

Building Trust Through Transparency and Respect

Transparency is another cornerstone of the leadership qualities Simpson highlights. She points out that effective leaders are proactive in communicating important information, ensuring that team members are not the last to know about developments that affect them. This includes being truthful and flagging potential problems before they escalate.

Simpson also underscores the value of welcoming disagreement. Leaders who foster an environment where constructive pushback is not met with retribution, but rather seen as a sign of trust, build stronger, more resilient teams. According to Cicely Simpson, leaders should:

“Not punish pushback with distance or coldness.”

Other critical signs of strong leadership, as outlined by Simpson, include:

• Noticing subtle shifts in team members’ energy and checking in proactively.
• Protecting everyone’s time, including their own, by setting and modeling clear boundaries.
• Holding themselves to the same high standards they expect from their team.
• Giving credit publicly for work done by others.
• Delivering hard news clearly and prioritizing clarity over immediate likability.

Simpson concludes her post by suggesting that encountering a leader who embodies even half of these traits is rare, and aspiring to practice even half of them yourself can significantly impact your team. She encourages readers to reflect on these points and consider implementing one practice weekly, promising immediate positive results.