Leadership is observable. The effectiveness of a leader can be seen in more ways than by financial reports, goal achievement and other quantitative measures.

The impact of a leader can be observed in four key ways. Yesterday we looked at the role of a leader in achieving team unity. Today we consider the direction of a leader.

We can see the direction a leader is headed. It is observable. We can see one who is circling the building as well as we can see a leader with a clear compass point heading.

The first physical location to observe direction is in a meeting. It is not difficult to discern when a leader is being followed in a meeting room. Watch for engagement, participation and dissent.

If the team is engaged in a meeting there is likely to be participation through note taking and positive non-verbal feedback. It's a good thing if everyone stays awake in the meeting. This is no mean feat with the advent of streaming Netflix marathons.

A clear sign of engagement is a discussion that doesn't depend on the leader to orchestrate. It just happens. When side chatter is occurring (on topic), it is a good sign that the people in the room are participating and not simply consuming oxygen. Good leaders will allow fruitful discussion to run its course.

A confident leader is not threatened by dissent. Divergent opinions are encouraged and stimulated. The best place to disagree is in the meeting. When the meeting concludes a team should emerge unified. The leader should be the stimulant of dissent and unification. When a leader dismisses a meeting, the team should all be headed in the same direction.

Goals have been clearly stated. Everyone on the team understands the playbook and can competently execute. Evidence of clarity occurs in the meetings after the meeting. There always seems to be sidebar meetings. If we could eavesdrop on the chatter, we would surely know if direction has been clearly provided. Progress toward goals is a good mile marker on the path to achievement. Check points provide excellent feedback for subsequent meetings. Leadership provides help in course correction.

Cat herders aren't leaders.

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved. ... '" (Mark 16:15-16).