As the eldest of four kids, I was a “default born leader.” So, I’m not quite sure if there really is such a thing. Are leaders born or made? And, what makes someone a good leader? As I ponder the qualities of great leaders that I know of, I can begin the list by sharing the following:
1) Good leaders know how to motivate the people that they lead. Not by sheer flattery or charisma… but through genuine inspiration and encouragement. They know how to boost morale and lift people’s spirits. They know how to see the best in everyone.
2) Good leaders know when to receive advice and when to make judgment calls. A leader who only makes autonomous decisions are not good leaders. A leader who only knows how to make decisions based on what people tell him/her are not good leaders either.
3) Good leaders are visionaries. They know how to create goals and to find ways in how to achieve them. They know how other leaders operate and do not always follow what everyone else is doing, just because they wish to be popular. They see things that many people may not see easily…
4) Good leaders know how to lead in good and bad times. A leader’s strength is tested in more ways than one. It’s as easy to shine when things are well, as when things aren’t as fine. By the same token, it’s not too hard to fail when things are bad, just as when things are good.
What about you? What do you think makes a good leader?
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Write a Comment»Hi Shai,
It’s an interesting thought, but I do believe there are born leaders. In my time I’ve met too many people who are simply born leaders. Getting them to recognise it can be the most difficult part, but once they do, wow, watch out.
I don’t think a lot of leaders know exactly how they do it, the points you’ve mentioned, but they do know they can lead people. Hope what I mean is clear.
I am the last of the siblings, so I have no idea what make a good leader. But what I hope for is this, a world leader who can lead us away from the environmental mess the world is heading towards.
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Its my belief that while there are some great leaders born, many more a trained to become great leaders. I spent 14 years in the army and during that time a lot of emphasis what put on developing and improving leadership ability with the military providing almost a unique opportunity for members at almost all levels to show leadership and ability.
But also on reflecting on the greatest leader i’ve known he must have just been born that way.
One thing I would add is “decisiveness.” Great leaders are good at making decisions and getting others to believe in those decisions.
A leader is someone who illustrates or demonstrates how it is possible to travel from reality to the dream. The passion, courage and integrity of a leader accentuate his or her ability to succeed and to motivate.
~Christopher Simon
Heather, Environman, Greg, SPG and Christopher: Really good points. Nice additions. Thanks!
:coolsmile: One of the greatest leaders to walk the face of the earth, Jesus Christ, he took 12 men from diffrent backgrounds and vocations and gave them a vision set the example, and they changed the entire world.
I remember giving a seminar on leadership, then having a discussion at the end of it with this one gentleman who objected to my using the terminology “born leader”. After talking with him for about 20 minutes, I realized that what I really meant to say was “natural” rather than “born”. The difference may seem minor, but to him, if someone was born a leader, then it didn’t matter how they really acted because they were already deemed to be the leader, whereas someone who exhibited natural ability at leadership showed perception and skill, no matter how they came by it. It’s an interesting distinction, and it turned out that this man had been a management trainer for about 35 years, but wanted to see what this “new” guy had to say on the matter. I guess even us “natural” leaders can learn a lot.
Hi shai,
i am a second child in primary school,i have a project on leadership and i do’nt know where to get info so i found this website!!! its good sofar but one question what happens if your a first time leader????
From Samantha jones
Samatha,
If you are a leader for the first time… you will need to find inspiration that can carry you into the new role. There are many simple examples that translate into universal lessons you can use. For example… observe how a mother cares for her young and how she never looses her focus. Watch a good teacher speak - when he connects with something he is passionate about. Watch a good coach pull together a team and set the team’s collective imagination on fire. These examples are all you need learn about to gain a glimpse of what it is to be a leader.