Following the Leader

“Leaders must not be led by anger or other overwhelming passions, nor by deep feelings beyond their rights and faith” – William Penn

“Leadership is getting someone to do what they don't want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve.” – Tom Landry

The world often tells us to put ourselves first – to watch out for number one. Still, there’s no denying how we respond to those whose personal sacrifices for the benefit of others makes us feel. We are grateful and we honor those individuals.

Being a leader is not glamorous. Many think about the position and not the work behind the position. There is very little glory in it. The load of responsibility given to a leader is enormous. On top of that, he will sometimes be publicly mocked, blamed, and criticized. So why do individuals take on this role? Duty. There are situations that just lead to someone being in charge, whether it be his superior skill or just plain courage. This poor soul who takes on the yoke is now responsible for the outcome though most of the work will be on the followers.

Be aware of the heavy burden all leaders have to carry. Below is a listing of what it takes to be leader:

* Like Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte, you need to lead from the front. In general, people are lost. When they see someone ahead of them to guide the way, they tend to follow. Be that someone. By default, you are their leader. No formal ceremony necessary.

* Listen to your group. You don't need to agree and do all they suggest, but at least consider their points of view. Doing so, you will gain much goodwill for they have someone who cares.

* Don't mind working in the dirt. When you're afraid to go to certain areas where your people have been, you are already at a disadvantage. Leaders go wherever they have to go to achieve an objective. You are never too big to do the most menial tasks.

* Appoint strong administrators, preferably stronger than yourself. They will do your will, and are the major cogs driving the entire system. Promote your staff based on loyalty and performance.

* Be 100 percent committed to the organization. If you're not, why should your people? When they see someone who only thinks of himself, they will be discouraged. But when they see someone who looks out for the group, even above personal gain and be ready and willing to suffer the consequences of risks taken, they will indeed follow without hesitation.

* Share the rewards. Do it, and they will want more.

* Strict discipline on yourself. If there are any doubts to your ability, there will not be complete unity. Be tough on yourself and your strongest critics will never have anything to complain about.

* Be a person who is likable. We're not talking about physical appearance as much as having a pleasant personality. Don't be afraid to use humor and show humbleness in your actions. Quite simply, people will go with someone they admire.

* You can take the loneliness. When you're the leader, feelings of bleakness will be with you many times. On occasion, you will bouts of depression for there is no one you can truly consult with. Taking on duties that are unprecedented will do that to you. Your character and emotional control will have to be strong enough to navigate through this mire.

* Get rid of individuals who are against you personally. No doubt you will have people who will disagree with your policies. In fact, you need thinking people who can question your rationale; you don't want yes-men. But when certain individuals attack you as a person, you need to let them go. This behavior will only bring division.

* Encourage other leaders. When you see bravery, reward the act. When you see intelligence, reward the attribute. Bring forth potential leaders where one day you will be able to step down so another who is more capable can take your place. The group as a whole will be better for it. But in the meantime, you are truly the undisputed leader with little care for the position other than serving your organization.

Lead yourself... and others will follow.