Broadly speaking, there are two types of people in the world—Leaders and Followers. Decide at the outset whether you intend to become a leader in your chosen calling or remain a follower. The difference in compensation is vast. The follower cannot reasonably expect the compensation to which a leader is entitled, although many followers make the mistake of expecting such pay.
It is no disgrace to be a follower, but it is no credit to remain a follower. Most great leaders began in the capacity of followers, and they became great leaders because they were intelligent followers. The man, who cannot follow a leader intelligently, cannot become an efficient leader. The following are important factors that establish great Leadership:
1. Unwavering courage based upon knowledge of self, and of one’s occupation. No follower wishes to be dominated by a leader who lacks self-confidence and courage.
2. Self-Control. The man who cannot control himself, can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one’s followers, which the more intelligent will emulate.
3. A keen sense of justice. Without a sense of fairness and justice, no leaders can command and retain the respect of his followers.
4. Definiteness of decision. The man who wavers in his decisions, shows that he is not sure of himself. He cannot lead others successfully.
5. Definiteness of plans. The successful leader must plan his work and work his plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later he will land on the rocks.
6. The habit of doing more than paid for. One of the penalties of leadership is the necessity of willingness, upon the part of the leaders, to do more than he requires of his followers.
7. A pleasing personality. No slovenly, careless person can become a successful leader. Leadership calls for respect. Followers will not respect a leader who does not grade high on all of the factors of a Pleasing Personality.
8. Sympathy and understanding. The successful leader must be in sympathy with his followers. Moreover, he must understand them and their problems.
9. Master of detail. Successful leadership calls for mastery of details of the leader’s position.
10. Willingness to assume full responsibility. The successful leader must be willing to assume responsibility for the mistakes and the shortcomings of his followers. If he tries to shift this responsibility, he will not remain the leader. If one of his followers makes a mistake, and shows himself incompetent, the leader must consider that it is he who failed.
11. Cooperation. The successful leader must understand and apply the principles of cooperative effort and be able to induce his followers to do the same. Leadership calls for power and power calls for cooperation.
There are two forms of Leadership, the first and the most effective, is Leadership by consent of and with the sympathy of the followers. The second is Leadership by force, without the consent and sympathy of the followers.
Choose the brand of leadership that embraces these outlined eleven traits.
Stay Classy Prince of Wales!
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