History provides us with some interesting perspectives regarding what makes a leader. John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States and the first former President to be elected to Congress after having served in the Presidency, wrote,
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
With these words, Adams clearly articulated that any person could be a leader. It was not necessary that the individual hold a specific job, complete a specific course of study, or hold an elected office. Rather, any individual who, through his or her actions, words or thoughts, caused another individual to become more than he or she was, had in fact become a leader who had earned a follower.
Interestingly, not all leaders embrace their leadership roles. Many downplay the leadership role that they have played in the lives of others. Some do this out of modesty. Others do it because they truly believe that the “follower” would have taken those actions on their own.
Great Leaders influence those around them; at times they do so knowingly and at other times with no conscious thought or effort. They exert their leadership through their words and deeds; by the examples and lessons that they provide. Think back on those who have influenced your life. Did they do so deliberately; or, was it simply by the way they lived their lives that caused you to think, “I want to be like them” or “I want to change the way I am or what I do”?
Are you a Great Leader? Do you have the potential to be a Great Leader? The answer may surprise you.
Tom Hoisington is a speaker, trainer, and author whose goal is to provide leaders and potential leaders with tools that empower them to build teams that are creative and cost effective along with a clearer understanding of how personality types interact within those teams. He can be contacted at tom.hoisington@eagleoneresources.com