LEADERSHIP

From My Perspective - - -

At different times, an important and thought-provoking question is posed: “How many great leaders does one know?” What traits and qualities does one possess and exude that would cause another to both sacrifice and willingly follow? This is far different from the child’s game most have played called: “Follow The Leader.” That exercise would include all kinds of unpredictable and misdirected activity. “Leadership” had little or nothing to do with the course and direction of that activity.

In a recent essay, David Hakala has attempted to describe “The Top Ten Leadership Qualities” that should be present in a Leader. He begins with a definition, “Leadership can be defined as one's ability to get others to willingly follow…A leader with vision has a clear, vivid picture of where to go, as well as a firm grasp on what success looks like and how to achieve it…A leader must be able to communicate his or her vision in terms that cause followers to buy into it. He or she must communicate clearly and passionately, as passion is contagious…”

The Qualities of Leadership include the following:

(1) DISCIPLINE to work toward his or her vision single-mindedly, as well as to direct his or her actions and those of the team toward the goal. Action is the mark of a leader. A leader does not suffer ‘analysis paralysis’ but is always doing something in pursuit of the vision, inspiring others to do the same.

(2) INTEGRITY: the integration of outward actions and inner values…Honest dealings, predictable reactions, well-controlled emotions, and an absence of tantrums and harsh outbursts are all signs of integrity.

(3) DEDICATION: spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the task at hand. A leader inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision.

(4) MAGNANIMITY: giving credit where it is due. Conversely, a good leader takes personal responsibility for failures.

(5) HUMILITY: recognize that he is no better or worse than other members of the team. A humble leader is not self-effacing but rather tries to elevate everyone.

(6) OPENNESS: being able to listen to new ideas, even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking.

(7) CREATIVITY: the ability to think differently, to get outside of the box that constrains solutions. Creativity gives leaders the ability to see things that others have not seen and thus lead followers in new directions. The most important question that a leader can ask is: What if …?

(8) FAIRNESS: dealing with others consistently and justly.

(9) ASSERTIVENESS: the ability to clearly state what one expects so that there will be no misunderstandings. A leader must be assertive to get the desired results.

(10) A SENSE OF HUMOR: is vital to relieve tension and boredom, as well as to defuse hostility.

Consider these things with me - - - and let us remember that the Lord has given a succinct idea of basic Leadership Instincts, Commitments and Qualities in Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” In the Paraphrase – The Message – we read: “But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.” Let’s try it! It would be such a refreshing interaction and change!