What Defines A Great Leader?

When thinking about the most revered leaders throughout history or even in the history of our own country they generally share many of the same traits and characteristics. Words like strong, passionate, and intelligent often come to mind. But when looking at leaders like Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and  Martin Luther King Jr. the most significant trait they shared was their ability to inspire and empower their nation and their communities. Those we often look up to in our own lives was not their ability to give money or possession, but their willingness to expose themselves to unknown, adverse situations and the appreciation they communicated to those around them.

From the time I was a kid my oldest brother would point out my own selfishness. I still remember the time as an 8 year old that I took the last few pieces from the candy drawer eating them before the opportunity to share could arise. My brother made the comment that I was conceited and selfish for not sharing and thinking of others. When I was in middle school and as a freshmen in high school I would yell and scream at my offensive line for not blocking for myself or our running backs. My middle brother had been the starting quarterback for 3 years and had just graduated. I was excited about the opportunity to be the starting quarterback as a sophomore. My oldest brother heard me talking about the prospect and said "They won't play for you. They're not going to play for someone selfish like you." He was probably in part saying that to get under my skin, which was very easy to do, but there is many a truth said in jest. That one statement, whether he realized it or not, had a profound effect on me. I wanted them to block well for me so I looked good. It forced me to think about how I didn't recognize their efforts and how vital they were to our team success. As a coach now, I believe that success in football is largely predicated on the success of the offensive and defensive line even though it mostly goes unnoticed. It is the ability for each player to understand their role is greatly important and valuable to reaching the goal. Great leaders appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of everyone around them that contributes to the success of a whole.

Our middle school principal in Hesston, Mr. Proctor, is a man I greatly respect and admire. He was also my high school basketball coach my senior season. It is very routine for him to leave small notes to teachers around the building saying how much he appreciates what they do for our students. It is a small gesture, but has a great impact on the environment that we work in each day that trickles down from our staff to our students. As the principal at Southeast High School, Mr. Proctor was loved by our teaching staff. It was a very sad day when he let everyone know he would be moving on. I stayed at Southeast for one more year, and perhaps the person who admired and missed him the most was one our custodians. He would talk at length about how Mr. Proctor would notice and appreciate the quality of his work. The agenda behind our efforts must also have the right motivation. Lou Holtz, legendary football coach at Notre Dame, tells a story of when he used to be a salesman that sold cemetery plots for which he earned a commission off each sale. When he first started, he wanted people to buy cemetery plots to help him, but wasn't having great success, but once he started communicating to customers how buying a cemetery plot could help them his results greatly increased. The motivation behind our ability to succeed must be pure and take into account those who help us become successful as a team, a business, or a family. It is human nature to want to feel appreciated for what we do. It is very easy for those around us to recognize when our motivations aren't genuine and in the best interest of everyone involved. Don't lead with the lash, lead with love and appreciation.

There are generally two ways to accomplish a task as leader, but they have greatly differing results. Standing proud and giving demands, or humbling ourselves and empowering those who are entrusted to you. The first may get the job done, but will breed resentment and may barely accomplish the task. It is not built to last. The latter will lead to inspiration that will yield greater results than anticipated. To lead by definition is: to cause a person to go with one by holding them by the hand while moving forward. I often think of the painting of George Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River. (Below)

What stands out to me most is the he is at the front of the first boat crossing the river. His troops had the comfort that their general was leading them into a situation he was willing to put his own life in. Leading from the front shelters those entrusted to you and shows them how to navigate uncharted territory as opposed to leading from behind and exposing them to circumstances unknown before ones own self. It also shows that you are willing to encounter the same conditions, good or bad, as everyone else. Leading from behind is unsafe and dangerous to those around you. Being a leader is found directly in it's definition. Whatever you hope to accomplish, or environment that you wish to create you must be at the forefront and communicate appreciation to reach your destination. Who knows? Perhaps the heights are greater than you yourself anticipated.