There is no shortage of literature on the qualities of a good leader. “Ultimately, appointing the right leader builds trust within the organisation and within the team being led. People want to know that they are not only getting a credible or competent leader, but one who’ll be able to make the right and tough decisions,” said Nketane. It entails doing formal and independent, informal reference checks.”Appointment criteria also need to consider the skills leaders need to steer the organisation into the future. At their very core, good leaders are those who set high standards for themselves, the ones who lead by example.