What makes a good leader?
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
May 20, 2011 6:17pm CST
A sense of power can have a strong effect on people, sometimes causing them to lose sight of their responsibilities. If we are in the process of accepting a leadership role, let's never forget that it carries with it responsibilities as well as privileges. We might feel authoritative and commanding, but that is not all that leadership entails. To be a good leader, we have to balance our needs with the needs of those we lead, as well as anyone to whom we might answer. Though at times it will be necessary to take an authoritative position and direct with commands, there will also be times when we will need to work with our team. One of the responsibilities all leaders have, is to look after those they lead, making sure they are properly cared for and that they are motivated to do what needs to be done. It is important to earn their respect as well, for their cooperation is essential, otherwise there may be no one to lead. Do you agree?
1 person likes this
11 responses
@arnouardian (286)
• United States
21 May 11
Hi Pose, I do agree with your opinions, especially with the respect part.
I had an experience with a leader (my ex-boss) who led by instilling fear and worry in his employees. he scolded us almost every day for almost every small mistake we made. we felt worried and very uncomfortable every time he came to office and check our works. it seems he got satisfaction from scolding people with rude words. however, his advices were right and he was a very good example in doing our job. but he gained no respect from us. maybe i was the only one whom he disliked as i showed him that i was not scared of him. what bothers my co-workers until now (now I've resigned from that job) is that he looks very sure that he is leading in the right way by making his employees scared of him. it seems he just wants a good result, but do not care of the ways to get there and keep treating his employees bad.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
22 May 11
Hi arnouardian, It must have been very difficult to work for such a man. I knew bosses who were like that but not so much today. Unions have made things much better for workers and also non-union companies are beginning to see that it's better to treat their workers right. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
@arnouardian (286)
• United States
22 May 11
hi pose,
you're welcome. what makes it more difficult is the workers in that company do not join any union until now. time and society will teach this man how to treat employees in better ways. as an old saying says: you can deceive people sometimes, but you cannot deceive people all the time. blessings for you too.
@picjim (3002)
• India
21 May 11
A good leader has to lead by example.He has to have a thorough understanding of the strengths,weaknesses,opportunities and threats involved in the organization he is leading.He has to make effective the weak links while motivating the high achievers.Consideration for others and being a good listener will enable him to carry along his group.I agree with you that he has to gain the respect of others and carry them along as without cooperation of fellow workers he or the organization can't rise to great heights.
1 person likes this
@starsailover (7829)
• Mexico
21 May 11
Hi Pose: Definetly, I agree with these statements. For me a good leader needs to listen to the group, showing the he really care for them and how they feel. A leader is the person that can think as a group and not only about his priorities. A good leader needs to have a good sense of humanitarism and social skills. He/ she has to think about what's better for the group as a whole and the concerns of the rest of the group.
ALVARO
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@tiffnkeat (1673)
• Singapore
21 May 11
The bible teaches us the following:
"whoever wants to be first must be slave of all."
"But among you it will be different.
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant"
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more"
"So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart,
And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands."
"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:
but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the
rights of the poor and needy."
Well, there is so much to learn from the bible about leadership. I encourage you to search and own it. Happy leading.
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@EstiiBabii (685)
• United States
21 May 11
A good leader is someone who is not afraid to stand on his own, he doesn't need any minions. Someone who is understanding of his people; and tries to make his people happy by doing the right thing. A leader is someone who is not afraid to share the throne. To me that's a good leader.
1 person likes this
@Mirita (2668)
• United States
21 May 11
Yes, usually leaders are those people who everyone admires and follows their teachings. We need to admire them in order to follow their teachings. Actions speak louder than words ,so we need to demonstrate that we are qualified to be leaders.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
21 May 11
One of the best leaders I've ever seen was a Collie Dog, who brought the milk cows safely in from the pasture twice a day with very few mishaps. This leader led from behind the herd, by nipping at the heels of those who lagged or were determined to go off in other directions. In my book a good leader rounds up the strays, and brings them back into the herd. This leader,(herd dog) is always in command, always in a responsible authoritarian position, and is a respected motivator, who works with his team.(herd) This leader answers only to his master, and a pat on the head, for a job well done is his reward.
1 person likes this
@sender621 (14889)
• United States
21 May 11
Az good leader has to have the concerns of others ahead of his own goals and dreams. knowing how and when to lead is just as important as being the chosen leader.1 person likes this
@ludyvel04 (311)
• Philippines
21 May 11
For me being a leader must experience first how to be a follower so he/she will meet the expectations of his/her subordinates. Its not just about you being a leader but its also about the people you lead...you work as a team.
