True Leaders

[Echoes]

there are all kinds of 'leaders' in society...

here is MY own particular list of what a true leader is:

a TRUE leader...

1) SERVES those he or she leads in humility

2) Leads by example

3) Never micromanages

4) Solution oriented

5) Takes responsibility

6) Enables, encourages, builds up others, motivates and compliments as practice

7) Delegates authority

8) Fully accountable

9) Does not blame does not make excuses

10) Honest

11) Inspirational

12) Is not condescending to those he/she leads

13) A good clear communicator

(edited as we go..)

[Darby Crash]

[Altanon]

Sounds great! Where can we find some?

[RobRowland]

There was an interesting piece on Churchill on the radio last night.

One observation was that the true measure of his abilities as a leader was that he was able to inspire others and make them believe themselves capable of things that otherwise they thought would be beyond them.

[Jeff Michael]

Isn't #9 already in #5?

JAM

[LavaMan]

Having served in the Army now for 26 years I have learned little about leadership. It's really not about defining it per se. It's about geeting the job done - and making anywhere you are better because you were involved.

But since you started I will indulge a little as this is what "good" leaders DO:

They inpsire, motivate and accomplish the mission/task in a spirit of love, respect, selflessness, integrity and example - they go first and do not expect others to do what they cannot do themselves. Leadership is an action verb.

[Echoes]

Originally Posted by Jeff Michael

Isn't #9 already in #5?

JAM

oops, yea...it's early and I forgot to erase that half when I decided to split that portion.

another thing is a true leader must be

10) honest


and yes, GOOD POINT above....

a true leader is

11) Inspirational

[vesper]

Leadership is all about influence.

[dverna]

Originally Posted by LavaMan

Having served in the Army now for 26 years I have learned little about leadership. It's really not about defining it per se. It's about geeting the job done - and making anywhere you are better because you were involved.

But since you started I will indulge a little as this is what "good" leaders DO:

They inpsire, motivate and accomplish the mission/task in a spirit of love, respect, selflessness, integrity and example - they go first and do not expect others to do what they cannot do themselves. Leadership is an action verb.

Thank you for your service. (And your cables, I just ordered some more).
I served as a Marine Infantry Officer for 4 years, and I think you hit the nail on the head - we'd be hard pressed to "define" leadership better than your description.

[LavaMan]

Originally Posted by dverna

Thank you for your service. (And your cables, I just ordered some more).
I served as a Marine Infantry Officer for 4 years, and I think you hit the nail on the head - we'd be hard pressed to "define" leadership better than your description.

Thanks for your service! I was an Airborne Infantry officer for the first three years of my officer career...

[Echoes]

I thank BOTH of you guys for your service!

men of honor and integrity seem to be far and few between these days...they don't seem to be in the media spotlight and aren't the substance of our current 'pop culture' heroes and idols

[Echoes]

I am on the fence as to whether true leaders can be 'trained' or taught to be leaders or if this is an 'inherent trait' that is discovered then honed

[lakehaus]

Nuther retired military officer here. I have to say, now working in corporate America, that the military is pretty damn good at developing and grooming leaders through formal training, but more importantly by providing the opportunity to lead.

Read all you want, but to get in there and do it makes the difference. Some fail. Most don't.

BTW - the best leaders have the best followers. You must lead people, so you must serve those people righteously. Know what motivates them, provide and they will perform.

['70 RS]

Originally Posted by Echoes

men of honor and integrity seem to be far and few between these days...

Nah, they're all around you.

[LavaMan]

Originally Posted by lakehaus

Nuther retired military officer here. I have to say, now working in corporate America, that the military is pretty damn good at developing and grooming leaders through formal training, but more importantly by providing the opportunity to lead.

Read all you want, but to get in there and do it makes the difference. Some fail. Most don't.

BTW - the best leaders have the best followers. You must lead people, so you must serve those people righteously. Know what motivates them, provide and they will perform.

Excellent post. I agree completely and will shortly join you in the retired ranks...13 months but who's counting?