Characteristic of Leadership

This characteristic of leadership is an absolute must for any leader worth his name. It is required by everyone no matter what sphere of leadership or influence they operate in. You may feel that it is like the basic principle of humanity expected from all of us. You are right.

But how many of us actually practice it? It is natural for all of us to demonstrate these behaviors only in certain contexts. This is the exact point which separates a True Leader from the rest of us. This characteristic of leadership will be visible in a true leader in all circumstances. He does not make it a matter of convenience but a way of life.

Which specific characteristic of leadership are we talking about?

"A good leader cares for others"

How good could this be in today's cost cutting age? Everyone is showing the anything-for-a-buck mentality. What can you expect? Politics seem to have seeped into everything that has money and you expect to see some kind of care to another fellow who may end up snatching your job? No ways.

The ends justify the means              - Machiavelli

This is exactly how a loser thinks. A strong leader will have enough faith in himself and his capability that he doesn't have to be insecure in showing warmth to another person. This is one of the characteristic of leadership which is often disliked by the grim faced business community. A person who is insecure deep down will do all he can to shoot you down.

You need to keep in mind that, some principles are universal. Example: only women can give birth. Some principles are learned, like riding a bicycle. How would you categorize this characteristic of leadership found across cultures, across centuries and across religions?

I think this is a Universal principle. I hope you agree with me.

Example: the self serving interest of many historians focus only on the above mentioned quote of Machiavelli while conveniently forgetting the other half:

Service to others, rather than self-interest, is the purpose of leadership    - Machiavelli

The greatest power of these principles lies in the fact that, they are universal. This is not my thesis for a PhD awaiting the dork professor's approval.

These are not my good Ideas. But the most prominent of the characteristic of leadership found across all ages and cultures.

When you go out and use this, you are using natural laws of success.

Please note: These are principles, not techniques... You can always find ways to implement these principles in the form of techniques.

Bill Gates gave out Billions in charity, and so does many of the wealthiest. I have often heard many say that once they have a large stash, they will give some to charity.

What a big mistake!

I said that too, 10 years ago. I only wish someone had given me this advice before.

"The only way for money to flow in, is to have a proper flow out."
 

The giving of the kind, which is detached and unassuming. Anthony Robbins and many of the great coaches have told it in each and every seminar. If you think they are conspiring to take all your money, think again.

The need for charity is not only good to earn more money but it has an even nobler function. It puts back self worth in you. Self worth is the best fuel for greatness. Gates could have purchased ad space for years with the kind of money he has.

So why did he choose Charity? Is this Characteristic display of Leadership?

Because, even he needs to justify to himself that what he is doing is worthwhile. No number of Mercedes will justify that. Deep down all men need to justify themselves. That is the source for all the courage. The one with the strongest justification will be the one left behind after the biggest of hurricanes had passed. He will stand there, take it all and emerge victorious.
 

An example: Let’s say you are a soldier and in enemy territory. No one is around you and no one can report you. You see a small child which belongs to your enemy. Would you even think about killing it?

No. Why not?

Beyond all the courts and tribunals, we have our own inner court to face. It is called conscience. You can’t escape it. That’s why it is so necessary to care for others. It brings the best out of you. Moreover, can you be a leader if you have no one to lead?

All true leaders had followers. They didn't buy them. You can't.

At one point of time in my life, I was in the ditches. I did not feel that I was worthy enough to live. I had no reasons to live. My Dad saw my plight and was determined to help.
 

He sent me off to work day and night. With the money I earned, he made me feed a lot of orphans and destitute. I starved that day. But it filled up my inner hunger. The one, which no amount of food can satisfy. I realized that I could make a difference in many lives. I was up and running from then on.

Each person has to fill in that self worth once in a while. I suggest you also fill it up. Since you have read this far, I know you are capable of independent thinking. Grab that piece of paper you have been writing on and make sure you scribble at least 3 ways in which you can fill in your self worth. By the way, keeping your self worth high is one of the powerful characteristic of leadership as well.

According to Anthony Robbins, Do something good that can't be done back to you. His book "Notes from a Friend" is one of the best books you can read.

My friend, this is my humble request. If you don't use any of this stuff, it is ok. If you think I am an idiot, that's fine too. But make sure you do something good to someone today. Help in a way that the favor can't be returned back to you by that person. Read the book to find how you can follow this principle.

Don't wait, do it now!

This characteristic of leadership is of no use if you read and forget it. It is  worth to be lived by and to die for. It is something which was passed on to us early in life by our parents; we have to ensure we pass on the gift to the next generation. After all, for most of us our parents were the first and the best leaders.

Weren't they?