It’s never easy being a trailblazer. Leading the way through a vast unknown, forging a new path for others to follow. Born leaders might think of it as an adventure. Made leaders might think of it as necessity, birthed by forces beyond their control.
Some might even argue that leaders are never born, they are always made, from hard work, sweat, and effort.
It doesn’t matter if you become a leader through circumstance, or you rise up as a natural leader, there always remains a common result… leaders propel humanity forward. Leaders inspire action, incite change, and spark courage.
Leaders are the men and women who forge ahead of the pack, clearing the way for others to follow. But is having someone follow you all there is to being a leader?
Maybe to some. But what about a great leader?
I think great leaders share more characteristics than just having people who follow them. Great leaders possess:
- Focus: the ability to set clear goals and intentions, and see them through to completion.
- Patience: when things inevitably take a nosedive, the ability to respond and react in a way that displays grace and humor.
- Compassion: for the needs and plights of others.
- Empathy: for the feelings of others… that special gift great leaders possess of making those around them feel seen and heard, part of something bigger than themselves.
- Courage: for the strength to stay the course even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
When I reread those traits it reminds me of Jesus and the stories of His ministry. Jesus possessed all of those traits in spades, all the way to the cross. And it’s at the cross that He laid down His life for all those who choose to follow Him.
His final act of courage and His final example of love to His disciples.
To be great leaders, we should attempt to emulate great leaders. I’m awed at the way Jesus polarized the world, instigating either a deep and profound love, or a deep and profound hatred, but never indifference. Never apathy.
I can’t think of any leader greater to emulate than He.