In these chaotic times when many of the political leaders are all bickering for the power and fame of being elected in the office, how do we choose the right kind of leader?
Great leaders always forge the country to move onwards, establishing a style of management and providing correction and regulation if necessary. He is passionate about serving the needs of others . In our continuous search of a great leader, here are some character and traits that leaders must possess. In an article written by Karin Syren entitled ” Elements of Timeless Leadership” , she has likened the leader to a shepherd, and to his subordinates as the sheep.
- The shepherd recognizes the sheep are not his to do with as he pleases. He understands the sheep are not a tool, a means to an end, but a resource charged to his care. He is empowered, entrusted by another; responsible, and answerable to one who has greater authority. As an effective leader, he understands not only what it means to be a leader, but what it means to follow as well. Understanding and acceptance of the cycle cultivates and reinforces character.
- The sheep hear, recognize and follow the voice of their shepherd. People naturally navigate to the familiar. Trust develops with experience gained in relationships. We have often heard that familiarity breeds contempt, but it also breeds trust and, with time and consistency, strengthens expectations.
- The shepherd knows the sheep intimately and is able to call each by name. Shepherds use a system of sounds, clicks and hisses to call the sheep, slightly different for each of the sheep in the flock and every sheep knows and responds to the specific sound which is his. Consistent caring proximity is always recognized and always produces results. Relationship is the key – there is no such thing as an absentee shepherd.
- The shepherd always leads the sheep into the safest, most beneficial conditions available and always away from harm. Strategically, he goes out before them, out of harm, into safety – but always maintaining the lead. He never expects the sheep to move into circumstances he is not willing to withstand among them, rather always expecting more of himself than he would of those in his charge.
- The shepherd is willing to put the immediate needs and well-being of the sheep before his own, often at great personal risk. The well-being of those entrusted to him is paramount to the shepherd. This singularity of purpose encourages his decisions to be always grounded in integrity. The shepherd is prepared to lay down his life both literally and figuratively.
- There is a difference between a hired hand and a shepherd. A hired hand is motivated by compensation. A shepherd has a deep and committed interest in the sheep. He is one who is responsible for what is not his – - by his own choice. And his relationship is characterized by longevity and consistent presence, with or without significant compensation. The shepherd is at all times ready to lay down his life for the sheep. How much more the leader for the people entrusted to him. People are a sacred trust and serving them is an awesome commission.
The true shepherd understands the critical difference between power, often stolen and generally imposed oppressively upon the unsuspecting, and authority, which speaks of responsibility and answerability to a higher power.
The picture of a leadership is a simple image that the wise and the brilliant can comprehend. However, it’s more than intellectual ability that a leader should have, it’s passion and dedication to serve selflessly!