What is leadership and what are the qualities of a sound, effective leader? What is it about someone that motivates and even compels others to follow? These are questions that are often asked, and the answers are not necessarily universal. Circumstance and environmental surroundings can often dictate the answers. However, I would like to take an objective and outside approach, looking at qualities and characteristics in personality of an effective leader.
Leadership, a noun, is defined as “an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction.” This could suggest that someone leading is doing so as others are searching for guidance or direction. I’m reminded of an exchange in the 1985 movie The American President. The incumbent president does not want to engage in a character debate with the opposition who is running against him. One of the president’s aides advises him to stand up to his opposition, saying, “They don't have a choice! Bob Rumson is the only one doing the talking! People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand.” To which the president responds, “We've had presidents who were beloved, who couldn't find a coherent sentence with two hands and a flashlight. People don't drink the sand because they're thirsty. They drink the sand because they don't know the difference.”
We need to know the difference! It is the true, genuine leader whom we should want to follow. How is it we know the genuine leader from the “wolf in sheep’s clothing”? If you search the web for “qualities of a good leader” you are sure to have to several hits and articles outlining those qualities. Some articles may have more qualities listed than others. However, I believe the following qualities are at the core. They are not listed in any particular order.
1. Vision
2. Drive
3. Passion
4. Care
5. Concern
6. Humility
7. Warm
8. Willingness to Sacrifice
9. No Desire for Power or Gain
Are there others you believe need to be a part of this list? Please share your list. There might be some other characteristics or even personality traits, such as charisma or humor, which helps and motivates others to follow. However, caution should be used in judging a potential leader or someone you might want to follow solely on charisma or oratory skills. While someone might possess these characteristics, they might not possess genuine traits of a quality leader.
I believe it is our responsibility to find the genuine leaders and follow them. This subject will continue to be examined in the coming days, weeks and months. I look forward to your comments as we explore leadership and define its true value together.
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