Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of good leadership?

• A. Communicating clearly
• B. Leading by example
• C. Using your authority or power to get what you want
• D. Empowering others

Answer: (C)

Good leadership is about guiding others through trust, collaboration, and development rather than coercion. Using your authority or power to get what you want fits poorly with that approach because it relies on pressure rather than voluntary engagement, which can destroy trust, reduce motivation, and sap initiative. Clear communication, leading by example, and empowering others are the hallmarks of effective leadership: clear communication aligns expectations and direction; leading by example shows integrity and credibility; empowering others delegates responsibility, builds capability, and increases commitment. When influence is exercised to serve the team rather than personal gain, it strengthens the whole group. So the statement that using authority to obtain personal outcomes is not a characteristic of good leadership is the one that best captures the contrast.