Leaders

Been pondering over leadership in today's world. What is the quality of a leader?  People usually say, he/she is a great leader. But no one really says why they think so. I came up with a few qualities that come to my mind when I think of leaders.

1. Leaders are good listeners. They listen to the aspirations of the people they lead, to people who are their peers and to their instinct.

2. Leaders are humble.  They know that without the ones who follow them they cannot lead. They have the power only because the others bestowed it on him/her. They understand that it is a previledge,not a right that they can claim.  They know that being a leader is like being a Tree, just as the branches bend when they are laden with fruit, so does the leader bend and flex to the wishes of those he leads.

3. Leaders are good managers of Self.  They do not wait for someone to tell them how to do something or what needs doing. They manage their time well. They maintain a balance in their physical, mental, financial and spiritual aspects of  life. They work deligently.

4. Leaders are both students and teachers at the same time.  While they learn from those around them, they teach others to achieve their potential. They recognize the others intelligence, talents and aptitudes and give them appropriate encouragement, appreciation and credit.

5. Leaders are caring. Their bottom line isnt just success for themselves but for those they lead. They understand working for long time goals, not instant gratification. They are quite willing to sacrifice their interests in the interest of others.

6. Leaders are popular without advertising or promoting theirselves.  They are capable of bringing the best out in each individual of the team. They understand using the strengths and weaknesses of the team for what is best for all. They are respected not feared.

7. A leader knows that he serves not Rule the people he leads. 

8. A leader  knows that Victory is not in defeating others but in winning others.  Leaders are good at winning people over to their side, through honest means. They have conviction and a passion in what they do, which comes through in their voice and their eyes.

9. A leader is innovative and a visionary. He/She usually knows when to rewrite rules and when to change the path they are taking. What path leads to a better result etc.

10.Leaders have Intergrity, they Talk the walk and Walk the talk.  They value their words, and use it wisely and Keep their word. They follow  strong ethics.  They are people of character.  

Wonder if there really are any leaders in todays world. I am having a tough time coming up with a name.