The pursuit of Holistic Wellness:
Lead WELL
The Most Important Qualities of a Great Leader
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate how vital the pursuit of holistic wellness is and how it positively impacts leadership. I’ve had the opportunity to lead and be a member of some amazing teams. Unfortunately, I’ve also been a part of some very poorly led teams. Here are a few lessons learned.
Great leadership is about influence, trust, and the ability to bring out the best in others. While there are many characteristics that contribute to leadership success, a few stand above the rest.
Authenticity is the foundation of great leadership.
People want to follow someone who is genuine and consistent. Authentic leaders do not pretend to have all the answers, nor do they try to be someone they are not. They communicate honestly, admit mistakes, and operate with integrity. Employees are far more likely to trust a leader whose actions consistently match their words.
As an example, in my chosen profession of being in the wellness business, I believe it is essential that if you want to lead a team of wellness professionals, you need to live a health lifestyle and be an example of what you’re espousing. Are you authentic?
Great leaders are role models.
They set the standard for effort, attitude, professionalism, and accountability. Team members pay far more attention to what leaders do than what they say. Leaders who demonstrate commitment, discipline, and a positive attitude inspire those around them to do the same.
If you’re going to say you’ll do something, do it!
Inspiration is another essential leadership quality.
Effective leaders help people see a vision that is bigger than themselves. They create excitement, provide encouragement, and help team members believe they are capable of achieving more than they thought possible. The best leaders give people a reason to care about the mission and a desire to contribute to the team’s success.
I played D1 college tennis at Indiana University in the Big 10 and when I initially went to the program, the coach was a weak leader and many of us didn’t believe in ourselves. We struggled to win and consequently the coach was let go. The new coach, Ken Hydinger, came in the next year and he had a magical quality that made everyone believe they could climb a mountain, do the impossible, win every time they walked into the arena. One year later, we couldn’t be beat. I went 27-1 that year and won the Big Ten. Leadership matters!
At the same time, leaders must be willing to hold people accountable. Accountability creates clarity and consistency. High-performing teams understand expectations and know they will be measured against those expectations. Accountability is not about punishment; it is about helping people reach their potential and ensuring the team delivers results.
That same coach called me out for doing something I shouldn’t have done. He taught me a very valuable lesson that I’m still telling a story about 40 years later. He held me accountable.
Accountability requires consequences and it requires leadership courage.
Fairness is equally important.
mployees want to know they are being treated with respect and consistency. Favoritism quickly erodes trust and damages morale. Great leaders apply standards equally and make decisions based on facts, performance, and values.
Successful leaders strive to be liked and respected, but not necessarily friends with everyone they lead. Healthy professional relationships create trust while maintaining the objectivity necessary to make difficult decisions. Respect is ultimately more important than popularity.
Finally, great leaders understand that their success is measured not only by results but also by the success of their people. They help team members advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and pursue new opportunities. When leaders develop people and deliver results, they create organizations where individuals and teams thrive together.
My favorite thing now is to see people thrive after they’ve worked with me. I love “paying it forward”. There is nothing better than to get a note or message from someone that worked for me 20 years earlier and they tell me that I was a major influence in the life and career.
In the end, leadership is not about building followers—it is about building future leaders.
I assure you that if you apply these principles in your life and profession as a leader, you will thrive.
Ready to Lead WELL?
Strong leadership isn’t just about managing people. It’s about creating the conditions where people can perform, grow, and thrive.
If your organization is looking to strengthen leadership, accountability, employee engagement, or overall workforce well-being, HWLS can help. Connect with us to start the conversation.
HWLS specializes in health club ownership and operational consulting. With our multi-faceted approach, we are dedicated to helping health clubs thrive.