[September 30, 2015] In a previous post I listed the characteristics people like in a leader. What attracts people to a leader is of course no secret, but what is it that attracts leaders to other leaders? What leaders like in leaders, on the other hand, can be mysterious because so little is written about it.
“Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.” – General George S. Patton
Those characteristics in a leader that other leaders like are as follows:
- The leader possesses a high degree of moral courage that has been both tested and is plain for everyone to see. Courage is developed through adversity and survival by application of societal values. Such are positive consequences that other leaders admire.
- The leader is willing to do everything that he asks of others. Too many leaders give orders and set standards they themselves are unwilling or unable to do; these are fake leaders. When a leader sets in motion a mission, then he must also have the grit and determination to do everything he demands of those who follow. In this he is not above the rules, regulations, or the law.
- The leader believes in the unconquerable soul of humankind and is willing to go to great lengths to defend the weak, infirm, and the downtrodden against the evils of those who would harm them. It also means that the leader is supportive of other leaders and those who follow.
- The leader willingly assumes responsibility for every action and event that is thrust upon him. This requires confidence in that leader’s proven skills and the knowledge that with the proper training, mentoring, and guidance of people, that any job can be accomplished.
- This leader is a winner in every sense of the word. This trait, like was pointed out in the previous post (see link here), means playing by the rules and winning the game. The leader recognizes there may be minor losses here and there but that to win on the most important issues is the epitome of a great leader.
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” – Winston Churchill
These characteristics are developed through the cauldron of many hardships, failures, and tribulations. From this comes a ferocity and focus that would damage the spirit of the average person. Rarely does a leader reach this pinnacle of leadership from ordinary affairs; and is thus much admired by other leaders. Those who do are recognizable instantly as one who can lead even the most difficult of circumstances.
What leaders like in leaders is a person who has the grit to win, the courage to face down injustice, the knowledge of their own character, and the belief in the invincible goodness of people.
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