SteveBuelow.com

If we understand “leadership” to be the act of influencing the actions, behaviors, or outcomes of people and their circumstances… then we could agree that leaders exist at one level or another throughout society.

To be sure, within about 45 seconds, you or I could easily identify the “leaders” at any event… whether it be an after-hours business function, a gathering in your local church fellowship hall, or a group of school children on the playground.

Spotting people of influence is simple.

You see, leaders always attract the attention of other people, and their thoughts, feelings, and actions carry added weight… increasing the likelihood that the others will think, feel, and act in a similar fashion.

Now please understand… the fact that someone possesses the ability to influence… and the desire to lead… DOES NOT make them a good leader.

Certainly, history is replete with examples of leaders who were INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE at leading their followers into VERY NEGATIVE circumstances and behaviors.

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So, back to the question I received earlier this week: “Do you believe that while a person is homeless, jobless, living on the streets; he/she is also capable of being an effective and positive leader?”

Several points must be made.

The first is the distinction that exists between what is possible… and what is likely. I certainly believe that “all things are possible”. On the other hand, I DO NOT believe… that all things are probable.

Next, one of the tests of good leadership is the measure of how many people are better off because of the relationship. However, a BETTER test is how many followers are making the transition to leadership roles themselves.

Good leaders MUST move up. Those who are not willing to grow, cannot pull others up with them.

Further, true leaders set examples that elevate and inspire their followers to improve and achieve. Remaining homeless and jobless in America is not a leadership quality… it is a threat to the physical, financial, spiritual, and emotional lives of those who have entrusted their care into the hands of the leader.

Remember, the question specifically asked about being both an “effective AND positive” leader.

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A few final thoughts on this question… tomorrow.

Takeaways:

Leaders influence others.

That influence is not necessarily positive.

All things are possible… not all things are likely.

Leaders improve circumstances… and bring others with them.

The real role of leadership is to raise up more leaders… not attract more followers.

Photo Credit:

Hamed Saber