295 - The Values of Leadership

 The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers        ~Ralph Nader

When I was a young adult, I considered that people did not need leaders to shepherd them, but inspiring voices to build up confidence and abilities to then be strong enough to lead themselves. I still believe this to be the case, yet as I've matured, I recognize that not everyone has the confidence and ability to inspire others towards their own fulfillment, and some want to support those that do - not everyone wants to be in a position of power, instead aiming for simpler lives - still others have the confidence and ability to lead, but use them for control and self-interest.

How do we identify leaders with the necessary qualities that can help shape and grow our communities, our world? How can we build up our own internal libraries of information that can filter through the guises of false leadership?

The traits of false leadership can be recognized through observation and simple investigation: Deception and misrepresentation - Blaming and pointing fingers - Boasting and speaking as though others are beneath them - Taking singular credit - Making excuses and not being accountable - Disrespect - Breaking promises - Wasting time on personal vendettas as an abuse of power -  Not engaging in succession planning.

On the flip side, traits of valuable leaders can also be observed and investigated: Finding remedies, not faults - Voluntary followers - Building up the self-esteem of personnel - Giving credit where it is due - Keeping promises - Active listening - Respect - Mentorship - Breaking through challenges - Setting aside negative emotions.

As a mature adult, I am considering shaking out of my own simple life to help build our community with others and to protect our environment. I spent the last 15 years in a comfort zone while raising children, but with wide open eyes and ears - watching, reading and learning about the divisions and common grounds we walk along. What are people looking for in leaders, in their communities, and in their own lives? I have seen many facets of great leadership and false leadership, sometimes within the same person. It is a scary prospect to put oneself in a place of possible ridicule and rejection, but it is scarier still to not do anything.

We are all human and with that comes highs and lows, learning and teaching, failure and success. The values of leadership, the qualities behind positive influential conduct should be at the forefront when a genuine interest in making a difference rises in anyone of us.  

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