Passionate leadership qualities
Apr 23rd, 2008 by spaceagesage
Leadership has always been a big deal to me, but I have found many people in positions of authority who are pretty clueless about it. I used to be pretty clueless about it myself. I remember my early days of trying too hard and coming across as a ramrod, of not giving enough support and feedback, and of expecting others to live up to my perfectionist standards. I also did the same “blame them, not me” routine as a leader.
One of my favorite authors on the subject is John C. Maxwell. In the introduction of his book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, he writes:
What makes people want to follow a leader? Why do people reluctantly comply with one leader while passionately following another to the ends of the earth? What separates leadership theorists from successful leaders who lead effectively in the real world? The answer lies in the character qualities of the individual person … leadership truly develops from the inside out.”
Real leaders, in contrast to bossy overlords who try to manipulate underlings’ compliance, loyalty or teamwork, understand how to be a positive example day in and day out. Real leaders build up, support and encourage. They value competence and communication and work on it in themselves. They have focus, vision, and the courage to take risks. They are generous with their wisdom, remain humble, and know when to shut up and listen.
From the Tao Te Ching, Chapter 17:
THE highest type of ruler is one of whose existence
the people are barely aware.
Next comes one whom they love and praise.
Next comes one whom they fear.
Next comes one whom they despise and defy.
When you are lacking in faith,
Others will be unfaithful to you.The Sage is self-effacing and scanty of words.
When his task is accomplished and things have been
completed,
All the people say, “We ourselves have achieved it!”
I don’t think the Sage in this quote is trying to manipulate with the idea that “Leadership is getting people to do things they don’t want to do.” I think instead, the Sage has learned to trust, empower, and encourage people in a way that allows them to jump in feet first, motivate themselves, and see the work as their own.
POCKET-THOUGHT:
It seems we all have people in authority around us. Some are teachers, bosses, team leaders, military officers, etc. Real leadership, however, is a rare thing. Those who have it leave a legacy of strong-hearted people. Those who don’t have it leave a wake of resentful people.
What have some of the leaders in your life left you with?
Thank you for this insightful post. I agree with the general premise that leadership is not getting people to do things they don’t want to do. An important aspect of leadership, however, is getting people to want to do things they may not have thought about or they may not yet know they want to do.
To the extent we can encourage and persuade others to love their life and do great things with it, we become leaders.
Michael
Michael Ray Hopkin — I agree with you about what leaders also help people to attain. I call it having a vision for each person. I think great leaders lead people to reach higher by helping them find internal motivation.