What Makes a Good Leader (Hint: It’s Not Just Rank)

What Makes a Good Leader (Hint: It’s Not Just Rank)

Let’s clear something up.

Just because someone’s in charge doesn’t mean they’re a leader.

We’ve all seen the difference. One inspires. The other dictates. One lifts the team. The other cracks the whip. I’ve worked for both—and if you’ve been in the military, the restaurant business, or hell, even a family business—you probably have too.

Authority Talks. Leadership Listens.

When I was running restaurants, I had two bosses who couldn’t have been more different.

One of them inspired the team. Made us want to do better. Held the line but always had your back. He led by example and made everyone feel like their work mattered.

The other one? Led through fear. Dictated. Barked orders. Made every shift feel like a countdown to quitting time. He had authority—but not a single ounce of respect.

And that’s the difference.

Leadership Is Earned, Not Assigned

You can slap rank on someone, give them a title, a name badge, or even stripes—but none of that means they’re a leader.

Even in the military—which people often hold up as the gold standard—you’ll find both. I’ve served under some incredible leaders. I’ve also served under guys who couldn’t inspire a dog to sit.

What made the good ones stand out wasn’t power. It was patience, decisiveness, and humility. They listened. They led from the front. They admitted when they didn’t know something—and they learned from their team.

And that? That stuck with me.

What Leadership Looks Like at Overholt

These days, I’ve got the chance to lead in a different way—through Overholt Supply Co.

Whether it’s supporting other local shops, showing up for community events, or just keeping the coffee hot and the whiskey poured in the lounge, I try to lead by doing what’s right for the folks around me.

It’s not about ego. It’s about responsibility.

A real leader doesn’t just focus on what’s best for them—they focus on what’s best for the whole damn team. And for me, that team is Castroville.

So What Makes a Good Leader?

  • They listen. To learn. Not just to respond.

  • They’re consistent. No guessing which version of them you’re getting today.

  • They’re humble. Titles don’t mean a thing if you treat people like dirt.

  • They take responsibility. Especially when it’s not easy.

  • They lift others up. Because leadership isn’t about being above—it’s about bringing others forward.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest guy in the room. It’s about showing up. Staying steady. And building something that lasts—whether that’s a team, a business, or a community.

So here’s to the leaders out there doing it the right way—whether anyone’s watching or not.

– Dave
USAF Veteran | Founder, Overholt Supply Co. | Student of Good & Bad Leadership

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