Qualities of a Leader

Nations across the world are in search. The search for an intangible. An intangible so precious it can shape futures of entire generations.
The intangible that remains the key to greatness. That intangible is the elusive, electric quality of LEADERSHIP.
As John Quincy Adams once said "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

Where do slums crop up? In leaderless cities.
Where does child delinquency begin? In leaderless families
Which armys lose battles? Poorly led ones!

Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still.
Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.

That leaders are born and not made, is nothing but a popular misconception. Leadership can be taught and it can be mastered

So what would be the qualities a leader must possess to distinguish him from the others. Responsibility is, afterall a fair price of greatness

Let us list the characterstics that seem to be fundamental here:

Confidence:
If a leader does not believe in himself, No one else will. The leader needs to be sure of himself and of his actions
Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence. The leaders job is to spread his confidence to his team and build their morale. At every stage, there must be a steady build-up of assurance, a conviction of competence based on training and the gradual accumulation of skill and experience.

Energy:
The leaders energy must come from within. He must be willing to do everything he asks of his followers and more. He must be able to work harder, concentrate more and go the extra mile.

Timing:
This is the combination of alertness, imagination and foresight.

Clarity:
A leader must be able to reason logically. Leadership is the quality to translate vision into reality.
Leader must weigh his alternatives, make decisions and then convey his thoughts lucidly.
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet

Tenacity
Courage is the capacity to hang on for five minutes longer.The leader must not only have this quality but also infuse it in others.
The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.

Magnetism:
It is the quality that draws men to the leader, makes them trust him, leaves them not only willing but eager to work and sacrifice themselves for him.
Magnetism is not restricted to men of good will. Hitler had it, with tragic coonsequences for the world. But when it is found in a person of fine character, it's appeal becomes irresistible.
No questions, no arguments, nohesistancy: a Leader has spoken and nothing else is required.

Concern:

The three "C's"of leadership are Consideration,Caring,and Courtesy.Be polite to everyone.
Men will never follow someone unless they feel that he really cares about them and their problems.
Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.
 Indeed, concern for others is a sign of imagination and vision, two key ingredients of a good leader.

Morality:
A strict code of ethics, a strong sense of personal morality- these are qualities a leader must have at the core of his being.
This is why military schools and colleges put so much stress on duty and honour, love of God and country.
 They know that without a firm moral base a man is too unsure of himself to become a leader.
To lead in the 21st century-to take soldiers, sailors, and airmen into battle, you will be required to have both character and competence.

Faith:
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Above and beyond all, a leader must believe in his people as well as the goal towards which he is driving them.
A leader is a dealer in hope.

The integral differences between a Boss and a Leader:

The boss drives people; the leader coaches them.
 The boss depends on authority; the leader on good will.
 The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm.
The boss says "I"; The leader says "WE".
The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown; the leader fixes the breakdown.
 The boss says, "GO"; the leader says "LET'S GO!"

Let no one think that being a leader is easy. Often it is lonely and difficult business. As Neitzsche said , "Life always gets harder towards the summit - The cold increses, the responsibility increases."

But reward are enormous for those who strike out for the summit, who will take the risks, dare the unknown.