“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
– John C. Maxwell

A leader knows the way: The first mark of a leader is possession of a vision or a plan; a place where you want to take those you’re leading. To possess a vision, one must think critically about how to change a current situation for better then lay out a blueprint for execution.

A leader goes the way: Only a poor excuse for a leader points out the way his followers should go without himself moving an inch. He says, “We’re going to take over that land; now, march forward.” Instead, a leader goes out in front of his troops, raising high the banner, a symbol of their cause. The leader symbolizes the cause, the plan, the consciousness of their people. A leader must therefore watch what they do and say because they set the tone for their followers. What they condone, thrives, whether good or bad.

A leader shows the way: Transparency promotes confidence. When a leader can clearly articulate a vision, and ‘walk his talk,’ he is more likely to attract a larger following than a shady dealer. Leadership requires trust not simply the ability to boss others around. A leader therefore must have integrity, character and a clear sense of right and wrong.

Are you a leader?