A Leader’s character
A so good and useful article about the leader and leadership, just copy into my space to share with all my friends!
Leadership is not just about what you know or do — it’s also about who you are
Nowadays, it seems like everybody wants to be a leader. Countless books about how to manage a company or influence others fill bookstores. But one needn’t be a CEO or politician to be a leader. Former U.S. President John Adams said, “If your actions inspire other to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
The key to becoming such a leader lies in character. People follow only those whom they respect, trust and admire. What character traits does such a leader have? Below are five of the most important.
Leaders have courage
The New York firefighters who ran into the burning World Trade Towers to rescue others are modern-day models of courage. Yet even more than physical courage, the everyday demands of modern life require moral courage. Insisting on doing the right thing despite pressure to act otherwise takes such courage.
Leaders must face fear and doubt in many of the decision they make. Having these feelings doesn’t mean one isn’t courageous. After all, courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it’s doing the right thing despite one’s fear.
Leaders are humble
Being humble simply means having an accurate view of one’s own limitations. Everybody has limitations. Leaders deal with theirs by seeking help from others.
When leaders seek help, they recognize the skills that other people bring to the table. And when they are successful, leaders generously praise all who contributed to the success. Humble leaders don’t promote themselves; they promote others.
Learning is a lifelong pursuit, no matter one’s position. Humble leaders are never too proud to learn from all sources of knowledge—even those under them.
Leaders serve others
Jesus christ said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Leaders serve others and put the needs of others before themselves. They make the good of everyone on the team a personal priority.
Leaders who serve others help the whole team accomplish more. Leaders do things like make sure everybody has the resources needed. They go the extra mile to help out during a busy rush. When leaders serve, followers are also encouraged to serve each other.
Leaders have passion
Money or success can motivate someone to show up for an activity. But what motivates one to really put his heart into something? The answer is passion—the feeling that the activity is significant.
Outstanding leaders inspire others because they are motivated by passion for what they do. Leaders show the significance of routine work to others by emphasizing the big picture. They demonstrate how an activity not only benefits the individual, but also one’s family, community and entire society. Their passion ignites the passion of others.
Leaders have integrity
One’s integrity can be measured by what one does when nobody is looking. Leaders practice what they preach all the time, not just in the presence of others. Leaders also set the example for integrity. If a leader values being punctual, he arrives early. If a leader wants everyone to work hard, they work harder.
Leadership is more about who you are than what you know or can do. By following these principles, you can become a better person. And that in turn will make you a better leader.
