by Klaus Doring
A leader is a guide. A conductor, a commander, or, the foremost horse in a team.
Talking about leaders: I found a very nice quotation, shared by Dr. John C. Maxwell, the leading authority on leadership, who says, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way!” “Nearly all men can withstand adversity. If you truly want to test a man’s character, give him power,” said Abraham Lincoln. Character is what you do in the dark… .
In the past, at present and especially looking into the future, one can observe someone at any corner who offers to lead our way. Politicians compete for our vote of confidence. Athletes and entertainers show us their pictures of success. Even a lot of religious leaders pledge, promise and bind in flock gathering.
So, what are some of the traits that a great leader must have or develop character? “You can buy brains, but you cannot buy character. But, character is not enough. How about integrity? Are you a leader? Is what you are saying AND DOING, the same? Are your followers wholeheartedly convinced of your integrity?
This column contains a lot of quotations. Albert Einstein, one of my favorite idols, said, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with the important matters!”
Leaders in politics, leaders in clergy, leaders in business – many are lacking this specific trait because, after all, what they say is not what they do.
We need leaders with character, integrity, discipline and the ability to influence others in a positive way. Being successful in business means: a leader must be able to motivate his or her people around, rather than manipulate them.
Good to know, that there are still some leaders, who are able to fulfill all these ideals – for the sake of the Philippines and the whole globe.
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Last but not the least, on the spot: Russia appears receptive to a closer partnership with the European Union as the two entered two days of talks which are expected to focus on visas, energy security and the never ending financial crisis. I agree, because together we are strong. And a certain togetherness and leadership are lacking very much in the EU nowadays.
Email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or visit my www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or follow me in Facebook.
