In his book, The Centurion Principles, retired Colonel Jeff O’Leary points out that, ‘People are ready for great new leaders who rise above their peers’. He also notes that ‘the world is desperately seeking great leaders again’.
Throughout our lives, we face all types of authority figures from parents to teachers to coaches to pastors to professors to managers.
In fact, there is really no place we get around the accountability of someone we view as a leader in our lives. Not only that but to Colonel O’Leary’s point, we want leaders. More than just any leader, we want great leaders.
We long for great leaders because those individuals who are in leadership we are trusting with our loyalty, our well-being, our finances, our future, and our families.
So not just any leader will do.
In order for us to willingly give over our complete faith, we want to know if it’s the right person or not. A lot of us can testify that we’ve been burned by leaders in the past.
We don’t have the greatest trust in leaders because of someone abusing our loyalty or living a double life or (fill in the blank with your own experience).
That hurts. Sometimes deep.
We have scars and although they’re emotional and not visible like a physical imperfection, they’re still there.
Nevertheless, there is a longing inside of us that cries out for real leadership. Yet with a firm hold on our loyalty, we hesitantly search for someone we can entrust with our scars and the deepest part of us.
So how do we know what a good leader looks like?
With all the options to choose from, how do we know we’ve located one that is beneficial to us?
Here are a few ways I’ve found that can help you identify a valuable leader that you can confidently follow.
1. Is there substance to their leadership?
Instead of us depending on shallow, dishonest, self-serving, dictatorial leadership that masquerades itself as without failure or imperfections, we simply need honesty and transparency.
We know people aren’t perfect and that fact extends itself to leaders also. We rely on truthful leaders who won’t sugarcoat leadership and life into being full of sunshine and rainbows.
True substance in leadership tells us what we need to hear when we may not want; leads us into uncharted waters when we are unsure; plows the way through a dense forest when all we see is eery shadows.
A great leader understands that true substance means being the same person everywhere they go. They don’t put on a mask and play a role in different scenarios, but they’re comfortable with others knowing their weaknesses and seeing the scars life has left on them.
2. Is there progress in their leadership?
John Maxwell points out that ‘Leadership is influence. If people can increase their influence with others, they can lead more effectively.’ (The 5 Levels of Leadership)
Someone in leadership should never feel as though they’ve arrived, no matter the position. Since leadership is not about a title, we should continue to study, learn, and grow.
Good leaders should want to be better leaders; better leaders should want to be great leaders, and great leaders should want to be greater leaders.
A leader understands that there are those looking to them for guidance and direction, so it’s imperative that he or she takes that responsibility upon themselves to grow for the sake of those following.
3. Is there reproduction in their leadership?
Michael Hyatt tells us that, ‘Leadership is first and foremost a stewardship’.
A leader we’re not ashamed to call our own is one that builds those around them. Just as a parent feels the weight of producing children that are respectful, grateful, and productive, so a leader should feel the same about those they lead.
If we’re putting our faith in someone and committing our loyalty to their leadership, we want the reward of growing as individuals.
A great leader knows that there is the potential inside others that can achieve greatness and success in their own lives. If they’re intuitive, they’ll focus on that for the benefit of everyone.
Ultimately, we are looking for men and women of good character who are not afraid to lead from the front.
When we find those that fit the bill, we’ll gladly sacrifice for them. We’ll remain loyal, fight battles, champion their cause, support their vision, and even recruit others.
These are some of the things I’ve noticed make up the type of leader I want to follow and I want my family to follow.
These areas are also things I’m pursuing in my own life through integrity and moral character to make sure I’m continuing to become the best leader I can by the grace of God.
This type of leader has determined to leave the ‘what if’ behind and pursue excellence in their leadership.
What are some ways you’ve found that helps you identify a great leader you can get behind?
What else would you add to this list?
