Leadership is undeniably vital for survival, but first, let’s look at what defines the leadership skill. I'm not referring to a dictionary meaning, but, quite relatably, it’s a leader’s characteristics and qualities that define it.
Once, I volunteered for one of my university’s clubs, of which I was a member. We made paper-crafts for the freshers’ orientation, led by our club's vice president. She looked really tired, but she too joined in with us. She spoke very politely with everyone, and snapped photos for our club's Facebook page by herself.
However, not enough volunteers could be managed, and the work could not be completely finished. I was amazed to see how our vice president stepped forward, and said that she would complete the remainder from home.
I believe that is exactly how leaders are. They don't rant over others or boast about themselves, nor do they exploit those who work under them. They are humble, and emphasize on others’ inputs more than their own ones. This inspires the others to contribute better.
A leader’s actions are for the greater good, and they set an example for others to follow
A leader’s actions are for the greater good, and they set an example for others to follow. That's how they win the hearts and the trust of everyone. This trust blooms into respect, which holds the leader’s dignity upright.
Even someone leading a small group of people changes the world, because the work carried out by this group has an indirect impact, if not a direct one, on the world itself. For this reason, it would be disastrous and unlivable if a leader entices others into corruption.
Now, the question is, should a true leader be on the battlefield with the others? Should he or she just convey out the instructions, and relaxedly sip fruit-juice in the security of their cozy home? Definitely not!
Then, does a leader stay well behind the others as the opposition comes swarming upon them with weapons? Wouldn't this be the way, as the leaders should be uninjured for the maximum amount of time, because they are the ones leading the battle?
Well, leaders can be injured in any way at any time, as long as they are in the vicinity of the battle. They know this and they believe this, and so they are the ones who are centred at the very front row, advancing with the most courage towards the approaching enemy. They are the ones who had practiced handling weapons with the most assiduity for months or perhaps years before the battle. But this never makes the leader proud, and it never makes him or her bold beyond the limitations. Inside the leader’s heart, there is the belief that they still have lackings.
For this reason, leaders occasionally swap their positions with reliable people to keep “the lead” lasting. This is something that's known as collaborative leadership. It fills out the voids caused by a single person’s lackings, and enriches the work with more creativity or innovation to have a bigger positive impact on the society.
I hope that the readers remember what I had said about the leaders being in the first rows. The reason for this is not haughtiness, but the will of self-sacrifice. This is what makes them excel, and this is what makes them leaders.
