Memorable Leadership: What Makes Certain Leaders Unforgettable

Forbes

3 days ago

Aerial view of marathon city runners. One person leading marathon.
Recently, Denzel Clarke of the Oakland Athletics made a spectacular catch that left fans breathless. He leaped high and grabbed the top of the home run wall for support, snagging what many called the "catch of the year." Before that moment, Clarke was relatively unknown to most baseball fans. But his athletic prowess was so remarkable that the image of his gravity-defying catch became frozen in memory. The same phenomenon occurred with Simone Biles at the Paris Olympics—her extraordinary performances created unforgettable moments that transcended sports.
Leaders, too, can have standout moments. However, sometimes you might believe you've had such a moment, only to discover that no one really noticed or appreciated what you accomplished. This raises an important question: What leadership behaviors truly stand out and get remembered?
The Research Behind Exceptional Leadership
To answer this question, we analyzed a comprehensive database of 63,526 leadership assessments collected over the past three years. Each assessor rated their leader's effectiveness across 60 individual behaviors, which we then combined into an overall effectiveness score. By comparing leaders in the bottom 10% to those in the top 10%, we identified the behaviors that, when executed well, are most appreciated and valued by those who work with these leaders.
Here are the 10 standout leadership behaviors that separate exceptional leaders from the rest:
1. Creating an Atmosphere of Continual Improvement
Exceptional leaders push themselves and others to exceed expectations by fostering what researcher Carol Dweck calls a "Growth Mindset"—the belief that people can continually develop new skills and improve their effectiveness. This stands in stark contrast to a "Fixed Mindset," which assumes people cannot change or improve. Leaders who cultivate growth mindsets create environments where everyone is encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zones.
2. Inspiring and Energizing Others
People prefer to be inspired rather than simply told what to do. Leaders who master the art of energizing others and bringing positive energy to work create highly engaged workplaces where people feel motivated and connected to their purpose. These leaders understand that emotional contagion is real—their energy becomes the team's energy.
3. Making Decisions Under Pressure
Exceptional leaders make sound decisions and move forward decisively, even when facing tight timelines and intense pressure. Those who hesitate or wait too long to make difficult decisions leave their teams wandering in uncertainty. The ability to act decisively while maintaining judgment is a hallmark of standout leadership.
4. Taking Initiative on Challenging Assignments
When exceptional leaders see something out of place, they immediately address it rather than expecting someone else to handle it. They readily take on challenging assignments and hold themselves personally accountable for the outcomes. This proactive approach makes them invaluable to their organizations.
5. Providing Clear Direction and Purpose
Outstanding leaders give their teams a definite sense of direction and purpose, keeping everyone on the right path through constant attention and clear communication. They understand that clarifying strategy once a year isn't enough—as circumstances change and new obstacles emerge, people need ongoing guidance to stay aligned and focused.
6. Building Trust Through Good Judgment
Trust is perhaps a leader's greatest asset, providing additional influence and credibility. Exceptional leaders earn trust through positive relationships, consistency between their words and actions, and the expertise to distinguish between good and bad decisions. This trust becomes the foundation for all other leadership effectiveness.
7. Walking the Talk as a Role Model
Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior. Standout leaders do the opposite—they consistently model the behaviors they expect from others. They understand that their actions speak louder than their words and that authenticity is non-negotiable.
8. Maintaining Focus on High-Priority Goals
When everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. Exceptional leaders help their teams understand what matters most and what is optional. This clarity typically stems from a well-defined strategy, but it requires ongoing communication to ensure everyone remains focused on what will drive the greatest impact.
9. Achieving Results Through Cooperation
Like successful sports teams, high-performing organizations thrive on cooperation and mutual support. Leaders who excel at fostering collaboration create unified efforts and strong team spirit. In contrast, organizations plagued by internal competition see diminished effectiveness and become vulnerable to external competitors.
10. Inspiring People to Stretch Beyond Perceived Limits
The most memorable leaders help others accomplish things they never thought possible. They serve as coaches, cheerleaders, and challengers, encouraging people when they're discouraged and pushing them toward goals that initially seemed impossible. These leaders understand that people's greatest growth happens just outside their comfort zones.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Exceptional Leadership
Just as Denzel Clarke's spectacular catch and Simone Biles' Olympic feats created unforgettable moments, exceptional leadership behaviors leave indelible marks on organizations and the people within them. The difference is that while athletic brilliance often happens in a single moment, standout leadership is built day-by-day through deliberate action.
Still, it's not just consistency that creates impact. Think back to Intel's bold decision to leave the memory chip business and invest in microprocessors, or Johnson & Johnson's unprecedented move to recall Tylenol during a crisis—both were moments of courageous leadership that defined reputations. These weren't just well-executed decisions; they were defining actions rooted in trust, judgment, and a willingness to lead under pressure.
In that sense, the 'Steady Eddy' leader may earn respect, but it's often the bold and courageous ones—those who rise to the occasion, take initiative in challenging times, and inspire others to stretch beyond their limits—who are remembered most.
The question isn't whether you'll have a moment to stand out as a leader. The question is: Will you be ready? Because leaders who've mastered these 10 behaviors are the ones prepared to rise—not just consistently—but memorably.