It is not a bold statement to say that good leaders can make an organization and culture. They have good self-awareness and continuously try identify ways to improve. On the other end, however, bad leaders often lack the awareness to realize their poor leadership qualities or look for ways to improve. This article explores what qualities are exhibited by bad leaders and what the good can look like.

Start small. Be patient. Remain focused. In every Agile transformation, there is a point where the transforming actually commences, and yes, it can be stressful. No matter the amount of work invested in preparation, education, and getting stakeholders on board, once the needle begins moving toward something new, there will be anxiety. When it comes to Agile, taking a deliberate, paced approach to the transformation is preferred for creating a solid foundation for long-term success.

Using an Agile mindset to complete projects or any other kind of work does not need to be a scary proposition. Agile is not the antagonist of a horror movie. Yet, adapting to Agile thinking and bringing Agile practices into the day-to-day norm can strike fear in those within the scope of such a change. Bringing Agile into an organization, therefore, requires strong people-first change management. Through this, Agile can truly be transformative.

Utilizing and displaying respect for the individual, or a tailored approach for each person, is not a magic sauce; it's intended to put others in the position to best utilize their skills and find their excellence. This is accomplished through emotional intelligence, servant leadership, and empowerment - three personal features that are present in a positive organizational culture and some of the best leaders.