Ever wondered what good leaders and good employees have in common? You’re not alone. It’s a question professionals often ask as they work to improve their teams, their careers, and themselves. While leadership books often spotlight CEOs and visionary managers, the qualities they praise often reflect what makes an exceptional employee, too. And that’s not a coincidence.

Whether you’re trying to grow into a leadership role or become an indispensable team player, recognizing the traits shared by both can guide your development in powerful ways. Let’s explore three essential traits that good leaders and good employees have in common—and why they matter more than ever in today’s workplace.

1. They Fear Less—And Act With Courage

A defining trait of both standout leaders and employees is their ability to move forward without fear. That doesn’t mean they’re fearless—it means they know how to manage fear and stay committed in uncertain moments.

• They speak up. Good professionals share honest feedback, ask hard questions, and have the courage to be direct—even when it’s uncomfortable. This builds trust across teams.

• They stay curious. Instead of being defensive, they welcome feedback, seek clarity, and remain open to new ideas. Their learning mindset helps them grow and adapt.

• They commit to progress. Whether leading a project or contributing behind the scenes, they show up ready to navigate ambiguity and work through obstacles.

• They own their outcomes. Accountability is key. They admit mistakes, ask for help when needed, and learn from every experience.

2. They Connect More—And Put People First

True leaders and strong employees understand that success is rarely a solo achievement. They invest time and energy into building meaningful, respectful relationships that power collaboration.

• They stay engaged. Regular check-ins, team updates, and genuine conversations help them stay connected and informed.

• They lead with empathy. They value diverse perspectives and know how to meet colleagues where they are. Their emotional intelligence helps them foster inclusive, people-first environments.

• They think "we." Shared goals matter. Whether steering strategy or following it, they link their actions to a bigger vision and work with others to get there.

• They serve others. No task is beneath them. They pitch in where needed, help teammates succeed, and celebrate group wins over individual credit.

3. They Play Often—And Enjoy the Process

Here’s a trait that’s often overlooked: great leaders and employees enjoy their work. They bring energy, humor, and creativity to everything they do, which not only improves results—it makes the workplace better for everyone.

• They experiment. Trying new things—and learning from failures—is part of their process. They view challenges as opportunities to grow.

• They create. They ask “what if?” and “why not?” and bring imagination to solving problems. Innovation comes naturally when you stay curious.

• They embrace change. Good leaders and employees don’t cling to the status quo. They initiate healthy change and support others through it.

• They laugh. Whether it’s a team lunch or a tough meeting, they find the humor. That human touch makes even hard work feel lighter.

Final Thoughts: It’s the Shared Traits That Build Greatness

While leadership often gets the spotlight, the truth is: no great leader thrives without great employees—and vice versa. What good leaders and good employees have in common is a powerful combination of courage, connection, and joy. These qualities aren’t just admirable—they’re essential for building resilient, high-performing teams.

So next time you’re reading about how to be a better leader, ask yourself: Would this also make me a better teammate? Chances are, the answer is yes.

If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a colleague or checking out our other content on professional growth and leadership. We’d love to hear what traits you value most in your team.