Unmistakable Signs You’re Led By A Great Leader—Not Just A Boss
By Jason Walker PsyD, PhD
Let’s be honest: people don’t quit jobs—they leave bad managers.
According to Gallup’s State of the American Manager report, only 1 in 10 people have the natural talent to manage others effectively. This means that most people work under managers - not leaders, and it shows. It’s fair to say the good ones are rare, and when you work for one - you can feel it.
So the question becomes, ‘How do you know when you’re working for a real leader?’ Here are some signs that you’ve struck gold.
They Coach—They Don’t Control
Micromanagement is the death of innovation. Great leaders know this.
According to the Harvard Business Review, top leaders don’t just supervise—they individualize. They understand how to connect, coach, and unlock potential. They’re not breathing down your neck—they’re clearing the runway.
Google’s Project Oxygen backs this up: top-notch bosses empower their teams, offer strength-based feedback, and trust their people to execute. They ask questions like “What do you need to succeed?”—not “Why isn’t this done?” There’s a big difference—one builds loyalty, the other fosters burnout.
They See You for Your Strengths
The best leaders are like talent whisperers—they believe in you, trust you, and want what’s best for you.
In the same Gallup report, leaders who focus on strengths have 12.5% more productive and 6x more engaged teams. Real leaders don’t try to fix you—they invest in your talents.
If your boss assigns you to work that builds on your strengths, puts you in a position to succeed and celebrates your ‘zone of brilliance’? That’s not luck. That’s leadership done the right way.
You Feel Like a Person—Not a Resource
Here’s the thing: people want to be heard and feel respected. When they feel valued, they go above and beyond. When they don’t - they disengage and polish up their resume.
People are not interchangeable parts. When leaders recognize that finding ways to motivate people drives performance. Creating a culture of recognition, respect and belonging works.
Zach Mercurio calls this the “psychology of mattering.” If your leader knows your name and your goals and asks how your day is going, that matters. It’s not small talk. It’s fuel.
They’re Humble Enough to Learn—and Brave Enough to Learn
Leadership isn’t always about being right or being the loudest in the room. It’s about being the most self-aware.
Great leaders give their team the win, praise publicly and discuss privately. They take responsibility, admit when they’re wrong, and invite feedback. Top-performing leaders work at creating psychological safety and building trust by being honest, consistent, and values-driven. They lead from purpose—not ego.
They Make You Want to Grow
Here’s a question: Does your boss challenge you to think bigger—or just do more?
Great leaders have a vision - and invite you into it.
Real leaders help you grow beyond the job description. If your boss takes the time to see your potential - they will push you past your comfort zone and believe in you when you doubt yourself. When this happens, you’re not just working - you’re evolving.
Final Word
If you have a boss who coaches you, identifies your strengths, demonstrates respect, leads with humility and fuels your growth - you’ve won the boss lottery. If you’re not there yet - don’t settle - find it.
Because life is too short to work for someone who can’t even say “thank you.”