Anke Baak on what makes good leadership qualities and how to lead with balance.
What is good leadership and what makes a good leader? It’s a question with many answers—and even more leadership types. From hitting targets to building successful teams, leadership is often defined by results. But according to Anke Baak, Senior Leadership Development Consultant at Relevance, good leadership is not just about output.
“When people feel safe, appreciated and connected, performance follows naturally,” she explains. “But if you focus on numbers alone, that connection gets lost—and so does your impact.” In this article, we explore what constitutes good leadership, why transactional leadership often falls short, and how Needs-Driven Leadership offers a better way forward.
What is good leadership?
Why transactional leadership alone isn’t enough
Many leadership styles—especially transactional leadership—center around structure, targets and reward systems. And while that’s effective in some contexts, it’s rarely enough on its own. “If you ignore people and only push for results, things break down,” says Anke. “You’ll see motivation drop, trust erode, and your best people leave.”
So, what makes good leadership qualities truly sustainable? Leaders need to go beyond management and create an environment where people thrive—not just comply.
What are good leadership qualities?
From structure to inspiration and shared growth
When looking at what makes good leadership qualities, structure is only the beginning. Leaders must also foster teamwork, resilience and balance between work and life.
“When leadership becomes one-way traffic, people disengage,” Anke warns. “They might still deliver, but the energy is gone.”
That’s why leadership types like transformational leadership, servant leadership, and authentic leadership are gaining traction. They focus on trust, collective purpose and long-term development. They don’t cancel out transactional leadership—they enrich it. The key is knowing when to apply which mindset and why.
The difference between a leader and a manager
Tasks versus trust
So, what is the difference between a leader and a manager? Or leadership and management? Both are essential, but they serve different purposes. “A manager makes sure the job gets done,” says Anke. “A leader ensures that people feel connected—to their work and to each other.”
While managers bring clarity and process, leaders build trust and direction. Especially during change or high pressure, good leadership depends on both roles working together.
A practical example of good leadership
Needs-driven leadership as an alternative to rigid styles and labels
Relevance’s Needs-Driven Leadership model is designed to move beyond leadership labels. Instead of boxing leaders into types, it gives them tools to respond to what their team truly needs. The model is based on four core dimensions: Performance (results), People (connection), Progress (innovation), and Principles (shared values).
“The question isn’t ‘Am I a charismatic leader or a democratic leader?’” Anke explains. “It’s ‘What does my team need right now—and how can I serve that need?’”
Take, for example, a healthcare manager. The team is hitting targets, but morale is low and burnout is on the rise. Instead of pushing harder on KPIs, the leader takes time to reconnect with the team. By addressing emotional safety and restoring trust, performance naturally rebounds.
This is where Needs-Driven Leadership stands out. It combines the strengths of multiple leadership styles—transformational, servant, and adaptive leadership—into one practical, flexible model. It helps leaders lead with insight, integrity and agility.
About Relevance
Relevance is the in-company training division of Schouten & Nelissen. With more than 40 years of experience in leadership and talent development, and a global network of 900+ facilitators, Relevance supports over 100,000 professionals each year. Always tailored, always evidence-based, and always focused on real-world impact.
Ready to take leadership further?
Curious how Needs-Driven Leadership could work for your team or organization? Book a free session with one of our Leadership Advisors. We’d love to explore what’s possible for your people and your goals.
