What makes a great leader? It’s a straightforward question, but often difficult to answer because great leaders possess a wide range of qualities. Before listing them, take a moment to think of individuals who embody great leadership. Maybe you think of Mahatma Gandhi, George Washington, the Dalai Lama, Steve Jobs, or perhaps a family member or mentor. What do these individuals have in common? Are they all skilled orators? Are they in positions of power or status? Have they achieved greatness?
Perhaps it's a mix of these traits, but one thing great leaders always do well is communicate. They make you feel important, like you belong. Their words leave you feeling comfortable and empowered. This ability to connect and communicate is one of the key attributes that sets great leaders apart.
Many of us assume great leaders are extroverts with charm, people skills, and charisma. While this may be true for some, being an introvert is no disadvantage! Effective communication isn’t about personality type—it’s about connection. Whether you’re outgoing or introspective, you can still be a great leader with excellent communication skills.
As CEO of a healthcare organization with over 140 team members across multiple cities, I experienced this firsthand. We had a diverse workforce with a range of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and personalities. While I’m naturally introverted and prefer smaller, more intimate settings, I communicated effectively and led my team with impact. My wife, Richelle, is the opposite—she’s vibrant, extroverted, and thrives in crowds. Despite our differences, both of us excelled in communication, proving that personality type doesn’t determine your leadership potential.
Being an effective communicator—and by extension, a great leader—comes down to how you express ideas, discuss plans, and address concerns. It’s about engaging your team, inviting their input, and providing information openly and honestly.
As a healthcare professional stepping into entrepreneurship, you might not immediately grasp how crucial communication is. You might think that simply owning a practice earns you respect, but ownership doesn’t automatically grant you leadership status. Earning your team’s respect takes time, and communication plays a central role in building that trust.
My approach to leadership, influenced by past experiences, is simple: treat others the way I want to be treated. In dental school, I encountered professors who were rude, dismissive, and condescending. When I asked questions, they made me feel like I was wasting their time. I also worked for a dentist who mistreated both staff and patients, making me wonder why he was in healthcare at all.
These negative experiences taught me what leadership shouldn’t be. Rather than using their position to uplift others, they wielded power to belittle and humiliate. I vowed never to lead that way. Before starting our business, Richelle and I created a “no-asshole boss” policy, ensuring an open-door culture where ideas could be shared without fear of reproach. Communication became the foundation of our leadership.
To communicate effectively, we focused on these principles:
- Be an active listener. Pay attention not only to words but also to body language and tone. Paraphrase to ensure understanding.
- Practice humility and honesty. Don’t pretend to know everything. Be curious about others' perspectives and share information transparently.
- Be clear and concise. Get to the point quickly. Avoid unnecessary fluff that could confuse your team.
- Know your audience. Use language your team understands, and tailor your conversations to their interests.
- Mind your body language. Experts agree that 70-93% of communication is non-verbal, so be aware of your posture and facial expressions.
Great leadership isn’t about personality or position. It’s about communication—making sure your team feels heard, respected, and supported. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, mastering the art of communication will set you on the path to becoming a truly impactful leader.
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