Qualities of a leader

Gloria T. Anam

What are the qualities of a true leader? Being a leader goes beyond having a title. Being a leader means helping oneself and others not only to do things right but also to do the right things. A leader in its sense is one who sets direction and one who does not simply have power to give orders to his subordinates to get the works done. A true leader is one who multiplies himself through the life of those who follow him and who become leaders themselves through his examples and his influence. What qualities one should have to merit the leadership title? These are a number of the many qualities a true leader may have.

First, a leader is one who knows and shows his followers where he leads them. A leader knows why and where he leads his people. He does not go aimlessly or let the tides of circumstances figure the course of his journey. Instead, he sets the direction and builds an inspiring vision. He ensures that his followers know and understand clearly where he leads them and how he will reach his destination. A leader possesses the capacity to build inspiring visions and to share that vision with conviction. This leader gives life to the vision and communicates it in a way that creates trust and captures the hearts and minds of his people influencing them to believe in its worthiness and pass it on to others.

Second, a leader is one who knows where he wants his people to go and what he wants them to do. He shows his followers the way how to get there by walking along them. In other words, he leads by his example. He shows where to go and demonstrates to his followers how to get to his destination. Mahatma Gandhi exemplified this principle in his lifetime. He influenced his people to join him and fought against racial oppression and eventually leading them and India to their freedom. He lived the change he wanted his people to see and through his life and behavior, he showed them and the world that independence from the British Empire was possible.

Finally, a leader is one who seeks to build and nurture strong values. Integrity, humility, trust, accountability, and transparency are foundations of his leadership. He maintains balance in leadership by leading with his head and with his heart that results to building a strong working relationship with his people and creating a healthy, positive environment where everyone feels safe, important, motivated, empowered, and engaged.

The author

is Teacher

--oOo-

III at Doña Asuncion Lee Integrated School