To Be A Leader

 

“The loyalty of your men is a sacred trust you carry.  It is something which must never

 be betrayed, something you must live up to.”

Sir Ernest Shackleton

1874-1922

Explorer

 

 

In a business, church, or organization, loyalty is often directed to the leader. Those who are loyal to the leader often tell other people they need to be dedicated to their leader. The opposite is more important. Is the leader devoted to the people they serve? The leader should always be the servant to those who follow them, not the other way around. As J. Oswald Sanders (1902-1992) points out: “True greatness, true leadership, found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.”

People of character know that leadership holds a great responsibility. As a leader, you must bring others to a place where they can succeed and fulfill their God-given purpose. Author John Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” A leader must never drive, manipulate, or force others to follow them. If they are a leader, others will follow because they know they know where they are going and wish to come along.

John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) pointed out that, “Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.” People of character know that they are to help others be their best and succeed in what they do. A loyal leader will never set people up to fail. They will do all in their power to allow others to grow and to give others credit for the success. People of character follow this system: When the team succeeds, give others credit; when they fail, you take the responsibility.

People will follow a humble and fair leader. No one wants to be controlled by a leader looking out for their own interests. A humble leader is one who looks out for the welfare of their team. Remember that humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking about yourself less. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) said, “No man will be a great leader who wants to do it all himself and get all the credit for it.”

People of character understand that one is too small a number for success and need the team. By being loyal to others, others are loyal to them. It is as U.S. President John Quincy Adams (1767-1848) said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.