It's often said that performance follows leadership. Whether in the workplace or within a family, those who look to the leader will follow what they do. If a leader creates a safe, encouraging, and productive space, others will then be able to resolve conflict, bring forth concerns, and grow under their leadership.

So what makes a good leader? How do we create these safe, healthy environments in our lives?

According to Forbes and the Center for Creative Leadership, one of the most important aspects of healthy leadership is empathy. You can't connect with or guide people well if you don't care about them. Practicing compassion for those you work with will also help you gain their respect, another vital piece of healthy leadership. Mutual respect guarantees stronger relationships, courage, and grace in problem-solving and conflict, and makes room for honesty, even if it's hard. It also allows a leader to help push their people to be the best that they can be!

Of course, these are only two characteristics of outstanding leadership. It also takes things like communication skills, self-awareness and self-sacrifice, and courage. But the most important thing of all is that a great leader doesn't lead by force. They utilize all of these other traits to work with their team instead of simply bossing them around.

Take some time today to reflect on what kind of leader you are in your home, in your workplace, at your church, with your friends, etc. We all have room for improvement; we just have to be willing to take a step in the right direction.