I’ve been thinking about this lately. Below are some of my thoughts. This is by no means a be all, end all list.

lead·er
-noun
1. the one who goes in first

What do you think of when you hear the word leader? Someone who conducts an orchestra? A mountain guide, perhaps?

When I hear the word leader, my mind instantly sees the scene from We Were Soldiers where Mel Gibson’s character tells his men he’s the first one to go into combat and the last one to leave (click here to watch that scene). And that’s exactly what happens.

I take several things away from those words and that scene.

1. Leaders pave the way - While the combat zone they were entering was very likely reconnoitered, when it came to the real fight, the leader was the first one to put his boots on the ground. How can a leader ask his followers to do something he’s not done, or willing to do, himself?

2. Leaders do what they say they’ll do - It’s easy to say “oh yeah, I can do that,” or “I’ll be there, no worries,” and then not show up. It’s easy to commit and then not follow through. Real leaders do what they say they’ll do, which brings me to my next point…

3. Leaders know how to say no - This is big. People appreciate honesty, even when it hurts. By saying “yes” or “maybe” when you know you can’t do something, you’re creating false hope and you’re undermining your reputation.

4. Leaders make their followers great - Real leaders are there to serve their followers. How? By giving honest feedback. By giving tough advice. By building them up with praise when they do well. By being real with them. Just as employees need regular evaluations, followers need to know when they’re doing right and when they’re doing wrong. Ultimately, aren’t they on track to be leaders at some point?

5. Leaders know they don’t know everything - This can be tied in with real humility. Leaders are comfortable with the answer “I don’t know,” whether it’s coming from them or from one of their followers.

6. Leaders make decisions - Right, wrong or otherwise. Some people are crippled by having to make a decision. “What if I’m wrong?” Yeah, what if you are? Some of the best lessons are learned from making mistakes. Don’t let the pressure of failure stop you from leading.

What does being a leader mean to you?

Thanks to Thiru Murugan for the image.