Mirrors of Being a Leader

Written by: Princess Alwin See
UTROS in Philippines Inc.

We encounter different leaders from various environments such as fathers in families, pastors in churches, teachers, student officers, and principals in school and company officers at work. Fathers lead their families by establishing family values. They guide and direct each member of the household in dealing with day-to-day life. Pastors lead the church congregation in learning, discovering, and interpreting the messages in the bible. Most importantly, pastors lead the church in knowing God, the author of the bible, build a personal relationship with Him, confess their sins, and acknowledge Him as their Lord and Savior. Teachers guide their students in learning academics and good moral values. Student officers lead their fellow students to have coordination with one another and achieving school projects and events together. The principal then leads the school as a whole, which includes both the teachers and the students. Company officers supervise their subordinates by instructing tasks and developing work ethics. The president then leads the whole company to achieve its mission and vision. In general, each one has different roles to perform, but each of them has one thing in common, to lead.

Our society has different kinds of perspectives in considering essential attributes in picking a leader. Some people choose their leader based on age or seniority. For example, someone who is older or someone who has a privileged position earned by reason of longer service or higher rank in the group will automatically be chosen. Others have selected their leaders based on their credentials. They choose those who have graduated with honors, has a master’s degree or a doctoral degree. Some people based their selections on previous experiences in fields, recommendations from expert professionals, appearance, impressions, and popularity or based on a person’s wealth and financial capability to sustain a project.

Leadership is the interaction and participation between the leader, the followers, and its environment. Leaders recognize their victories together with their people. No leader can do anything great alone. Leadership skills serve as knowledge and abilities that a leader must-have. Leaders direct a group of people in grasping a common goal.

Some people say that being a leader may be a talent, but it is the character developed during the process that makes a good one. Being a leader accepts the privilege not because it is part of his job but because he has the heart to lead people in one goal. A leader must expand his knowledge and open to learn and collaborate from different mentors. Leaders must be a good listener. They must know how to accept not only the good feedback, praises, and appreciations but also the words of criticisms and suggestions for improvement. A leader knows when to admit his mistakes, corrects, grow, and profit from them.

Being a leader brings authority while bearing a continuous commitment. A leader’s coaching allows his followers to take their potential to a new level, finding the right places for their followers. Leaders learn to lead by learning to follow. Leaders lead by example and have a focus on where the team desires to accomplish. Leaders have the ability to encourage confidence in others. They can clearly communicate their passion to others and to motivate those around them. They take risks and don’t resist change. They know how to adjust the sails and stretch to challenges. Great leaders never give up. They embrace and conquer obstacles. Leaders know when to humble themselves. Leaders consider both visionary and practical. Leaders should make an impact. Leaders know how to get people to work hard together.

John C. Maxwell, one of the most influential Christian leaders says that,
“Leadership is Influence, nothing more, nothing less.”

Leadership is about influencing people. A leader sets as a role model and inspiration in life decisions, actions in every situation, and maintaining relationships with other people. A leader commits to progress skills and outputs every single day. He will not wait for inspiration but always act in every opportunity he sees. A leader must be willing to sacrifice his pleasure when needed. He knows and plans his priorities. A leader must have the passion and courage to achieve its goals and vision. Everyone has the potential to be a leader. But being a leader requires great perseverance. According to John C. Maxwell, “Why you lead and the way you lead are important. They define you, your leadership, and ultimately your contribution.”

Leaders know their purpose clearly and visibly. They will not stumble in difficulties. They practice the right attitude in leading people. His people are the reflection of his leadership. If the leader serves people and lets them get what they need, they will also serve their leader to follow his lead. It always rises and falls on a leadership journey. Be a servant leader that will leave a remarkable legacy that lasts on a lifetime.