For a long time, I measured success by results. Metrics, targets, and performance reviews shaped how I viewed “being good” at my role. But over time, I’ve realised that real impact runs deeper than numbers.
Here’s what “being good” has come to mean for me:
1. You honour your word, especially when it’s inconvenient
Anyone can commit when it’s easy. But the people who follow through when things get tough are the ones others learn to rely on. That’s where real trust is built.
2. You value impact over recognition
Good leaders don’t chase the spotlight. They focus on the outcome and raise the team with them. Their success is shared, not self-centred.
3. You stay curious, no matter how much you know
Confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from staying open, asking better questions and knowing there’s always more to learn.
4. You stay grounded when pressure rises
We all face difficult moments. What matters is how we show up in them. Do we stay fair? Stay thoughtful? A steady hand during challenges can shift the direction of a whole team.
Here’s a thought that’s stuck with me: Being good and being kind don’t compete, they complement each other. The best leaders I’ve worked with lead with strength and softness. They deliver, but they also care.
Being good isn’t a title you claim. It’s something you show through consistency, character and care.
What does “being good” look like in your own leadership? – Ali Aydan
Ali Aydan: Being Good Isn’t About Perfection; It’s About Presence
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