Two Things Great Leaders Do

Why Two Things Great Leaders Do Matter More Than You Think

Every leader wants to be great—but the truth is that greatness often comes down to two things great leaders do consistently: doing what they say they’ll do and finishing what they start. These simple behaviors are rare, powerful, and transformative for every team.

We are asked all the time what distinguishes an average leader from a great leader, and our answer is always two things: Do what you say you’re going to do and finish what you start.

When people hear this, they’re often shocked. These seem like basic, simple, easily accomplished responsibilities that all leaders surely follow through on, right? Wrong. They are rare birds—and only the strongest, most intentional leaders master them consistently.

When someone outside of leadership says they will do something, the commitment usually involves only themselves—they evaluate whether they have the skills or time to accomplish it. Leaders, however, must think beyond themselves. Any promise they make impacts others—sometimes an entire team. That requires weighing additional skill sets, personalities, motivations, deadlines, and constraints before making a commitment.

Why These Two Things Great Leaders Do Are So Rare

Consider which team you would rather work on:

• A leader who says, “We’ve been asked to take on a task. What do you all think?”

• Or a leader who says, “I’ve committed us to this task. I need everyone to step up.”

How many times would you be “all in” with the second leader before wondering why you weren’t consulted?This is why commitment—and follow-through—are not simple tasks. They require humility, planning, and collaboration.

The Leadership Skill Most Organizations Overlook: Finishing

Another area where leadership development often falls short is finishing. Finishing is not simply completing tasks—it is completing them at a level that enhances the organization, develops people, and pushes the envelope toward excellence.

This requires real skills, including:

• Action planning

• Skill-set and personality matching

• Accountability

• Time management

• Conflict resolution

• Follow-through

These skills are teachable—but many organizations do not train leaders in them. The result?Projects that drag on, unresolved conflicts, missed deadlines, frustrated employees, and lower engagement.

According to Gallup, disengaged employees cost the economy $450–$550 billion each year. Great leaders don’t allow that to happen.

The Path Forward for Great Leaders

If you’re willing to put in the work, you can separate yourself from average leaders by doing these two things:

1. Do what you say you’ll do.

2. Finish what you start.

From an organizational standpoint, ensuring your leaders are trained in these areas leads to:

• Higher engagement

• Stronger accountability

• Faster progress

• Better alignment

• Improved culture

• Better bottom-line results

If you need support in these efforts, we’re here to help.

Strengthen Follow-Through With Coaching & Feedback

Your ability to follow through and finish what you start depends heavily on how you coach, mentor, and hold others accountable. Use our Coaching & Feedback Workbook to strengthen those skills.