Who really is a good leader?
According to John Maxwell: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.”
Warren Bennis defines leadership as the capacity to translate vision into reality.
Rosalynn Carter has a very unique definition of leadership. She said: “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
So what then makes a great leader?
1. A GREAT LEADER IS GUIDED BY PASSION AND A VISION
A great leader is guided by passion and a vision; he isn’t really swayed by mere fantasy.
2. A GREAT LEADER IS STRONG BUT NOT A BULLY
A great leader is one who’s strong in character and one who has the mental and emotional strength to take that next step and put in that extra effort to achieve goals and vision. But a great leader isn’t a bully and one who’s impolite and rude to others.
3. A GREAT LEADER IS CONFIDENT AND NOT ARROGANT
A great leader believes in himself/herself and his/her goals and this is far from being arrogant. Though their confidence can be mistaken for arrogance, they only have self-belief and confidence.
4. A GREAT LEADER IS KIND BUT NOT WEAK
A great leader has a good heart and is kind, but isn’t one who is weak and who can’t take strong decisions.
5. A GREAT LEADER IS BOLD AND UNAFRAID
One great trait many great leaders have in common is boldness. A great leader is bold and unafraid. Even when they have fear, they choose not to show it, and try to overcome it. A great leader understands that fear can weaken the followers.
6. A GREAT LEADER BELIEVES IN ONENESS
A great leader believes in oneness, and acts like one with his followers; such a leader doesn’t believe in arrogance and sitting on a high table, but being one with the followers and earning their respect.
A great leader doesn’t beg or ask for the respect of his/her followers; a great leaders earns the respect.
Jake