I asked the people on Educating Today’s Facebook page, “What makes a leader?”
They overwhelmingly said that it’s a person’s influence that truly makes them a leader and leadership is more than just a title.
Leaders are Influencers
• A good leader has a positive influence on others by motivating and empowering them.
• A leader can be in a variety of positions. He’s not always the head honcho.
• A person put in a position of leadership will fail if he doesn’t have influence.
• A true leader needs to have a vision bigger than himself.
• A good leader’s position is a “servant-leader;” not an authoritarian.
• A good leader is a good listener.
• A good leader feels and shows empathy for others.
• A good leader is a community-builder.
• A true leader listens to, responds to and supports others.
• A true leader wants to help and serve.
Not everyone wants to be a leader. However, we need to remember that a 
leader can assume a variety of positions. They don’t always have to be the top-dog. I think a person can have leadership characteristics without being the person in charge.
What Do We Really Mean?
When we talk about wanting our children to be leaders, what do we really mean? Chaplain Peter Marshall said, “If we don’t stand for something, we shall fall for anything.”
• Stand for what’s noble and true
• Know how to say no
• Focus on inspiring and motivating others.
• A boldness to speak up for what’s right
• Speak effectively to others
What You Can Do To Help
1. Choose to be a good role model and live the kind of life you want your kids to follow.
2. As your children grow, empower them to make their own decisions.
3. Give them opportunities to lead, but don’t overwhelm them.
4. Be a good listener when they talk about their fears, dreams and ambitions.
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This is well said, and I agree! So many good sentences to quote, but I think my favorite is, “a person can have leadership characteristics without being the person in charge.” That kind of sums it up for me because it’s not about the power; it’s about making things better for others.
Jendi, I agree. So many times we view leadership skills by watching who appears to be in change, but many times it’s actually people behind the scenes who organize, maintain and energize the others with their quiet leadership. I think that’s something we need to remember when raising our children. Just because a child has a quiet, reserved personality doesn’t mean he’s not geared toward leadership.
I totally agree! My son is two, but when given the chance to make his own decisions and is listened to, he just shines!! He is a born leader and I really believe it is important to cultivate this very early on.
Thank you so much for sharing with the Saturday Round Up! Can’t wait to see what you have to share next week
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I want to be a good leader! This post read like a how to and inspires me to do better
Thank you for your comment, Ashley. Leadership doesn’t mean we have to be the person out front. Many times it’s someone working behind the scenes to make sure everything gets done. A great leader also helps set the standard for good attitudes and having a servant’s heart.
I agree, leaders come in all shapes and sizes and even if someone is in “charge” others can take the role of leaders in many ways. Some great concepts in this post – thanks for sharing!
What a great post.
I have noticed in workplaces that natural leaders can be quiet people with passion, intelligence and good decision making skills. They don’t have to be loud aggressive types at all which can be an often misconception.