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 What a Leader is - and isn't

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Tothian
President & Founder of the Heroes Network
President & Founder of the Heroes Network
Tothian


Posts : 5876
Join date : 2011-10-12
Titles : Real Life Superhero, Marine Corps Veteran, Warrior
Mission : Serve God, fight evil, protect people, help the Real Life Superhero Community

What a Leader is - and isn't Empty
PostSubject: What a Leader is - and isn't   What a Leader is - and isn't I_icon_minitimeThu Dec 08, 2011 3:53 am

Hi,

I don't wish to start any arguments about what is or isn't a Leader - you're welcome to your opinions, just as well as I am welcome to mine. I believe that there will be things we agree about, as well as disagree about. Nonetheless, discussion that helps you think deep thoughts can help you think of things you might not have thought about before.

There are many things that define a Leader, and there are different kinds of Leaders. There are countless traits that can define what a Leader is - and also ways to define what isn't a Leader. I wanted to get some of these obvious facts before I go on a little rant about what I think a Leader is - and isn't.

I look to a balance of many different factors.

Creativity Versus Conformity. Leaders do have to be creative in starting their own interesting leadership styles - I can't explain what since it has to genuinely be who they really are, and what they really set out to accomplish. That is up to them and to each their own, but I advise Leaders to not ignore this personal aspect of Leadership. I'm not a huge fan of conformity but in some ways, we all do it. The accents we use when we talk, the way we sleep in beds, the way we wear clothes, in some sense, Leaders must follow some of the traits they like and genuinely agree with - not because they have to in order to be popular, but because they know it's who they are and that it works. This creativity versus conformity can go with their own new thing, or something already existing. It can consist of following a path for others to follow, or creating a new path for others to follow. Which path you choose to take, it has to be you, it has to be in your heart, otherwise if you're not leading what you know in your heart is right, then you can't be leading the way you're supposed to be leading. Some paths may already exist, and some may not. But that is irrelevant, because I believe that your mission in life is the same regardless of whether such a path was taken before.

Kindness Versus Strictness. Leaders must be friendly and fair, because nobody in the right state of mind would want to follow someone that doesn't show them the respect that they as a person deserve. I don't want to say that Leaders should be strict - but there does have to be those certain things that the Leaders, Followers - and Group as a whole - must agree on. The very ideals that DO bring them together, no matter how different they all are. Of course, in such a diverse world we live in, this is going to happen. Is it the ideal world, no. But one step at a time, right?

Sticking to your guns - Versus - Listening to what others you work with are telling you. This one is a tough one. A Leader knows who he is, or at least has set himself or herself on the path to finding those answers of self enlightenment. And that Leader tries to learn all he can that would contribute to making them more effective at accomplishing their mission, be it through knowledge, teaching, networking, or doing things that the person believes is right. A Leader does have to be open to listening to what others are telling him - whether it's encouraging or even if it's contradicting. I don't think there's any guideline that says that a Leader HAS TO do everything that is asked of him - nor are there ever any guidelines that recommend that a Leader NEVER listens to anyone. It's my belief that a Leader must be willing to at least listen to what is being said, and to take it in to consideration, and in a fair, unbiased manner, weigh all pro's and con's of doing what is suggested, and then do what is right. At times you may even do what you know in your heart without a doubt is right, but everyone still may be against it. That's one of the toughest challenges any Leader can face.

Involvement Versus Letting them spread their wings and fly on their own, so to speak. Some may debate the appropriate level of involvement of their Leaders. I'm going to use a military example and say that this is done proportionately. The Secretary of Defense isn't there training with every member of the military every day. Each member has their role. Nor do you have a Sergeant or even a Lieutenant in the military there advising the President on National Security Issues. This one can depend on how many people are in which ever group is being led, and how sure the Top Leaders are that those below them that they entrust to leadership duties will be able to enact them without the immediate supervision of the higher Leaders. This one I can give no advice on other than which ever seems to deem itself necessary. But it's still a very relevant factor in the subject of Leadership.

Teaching Versus being Taught. People often look to mentors and Leaders who can offer them something that will be beneficial to them. It's the Leaders duty to already have some knowledge and experience in what he is leading. It is a common belief that it's just the Leader who teaches the Followers, but the truth of the matter is that they both teach and learn from each other. The only difference is title & position, and sometimes but actually not always, experience.

With many of these things, I advise to find a balance. Not a 50/50 balance, but an appropriate one which ever works for you and for what ever it is you intend on leading. Parents, Teachers, people you work with, are Leaders. A good Hero, could be a Leader. Even the ones who may not think they are Leaders, their actions and their ideals might inspire others by showing them a standard to aspire towards either living up to, or even striving to do more than.

Leaders should want those they teach to be better than them and do greater things than them. If not, then what did their legacy truly mean, if not something considered so great that others sought to be better than it? Respect? If so, what kind of respect is that? Just as a good person would be so caring as to want other people to be an even better person than them?

I'd love to hear the rest of your thoughts on this.
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PostSubject: Re: What a Leader is - and isn't   What a Leader is - and isn't I_icon_minitimeThu Dec 08, 2011 5:54 am

From my persononal expirience and i guess tothian know's now how i am through talking to me and all. That a leader does not micro manage things he show's respect to others at first introductions and show's value in all opinions but at the same time as a leader that is respectful to others, others must show that same respect. in any kind of group setting there will be disagreements its inevitable But a leader will work with that person never the less a leader will take in why a disagreement has arrise and better equipe those individuals with information to make them feel more confident and to a point ya come down to an understanding. A leader doesnt point out people faults he'll actualy work with those people to be strong and use the skills they have to do so, to Critisize isnt a bad thing it show's the person cares and is pointing out such things to better improve yourself and not to limit to pass Judgment on some one is wrong though because it does hinder some one for the greater good to be better then they already are.

A leader takes action in situations when he feels somthing will get out of hand but most of the time he lets others do the duty they are set out to do. a leader is yes confident with his actions but in return he needs to take critisism as well from fellow people he is with, and not take sudgestions as a threat or betrayal of authority but take it as a sign of his people care for him enough to ask or to sudgesed or even say somthing as simple as "i would have done diffrently" and have them explain and not take offence of that either, perhaps they have a better way you dont know about. You dont know untill you listen and see things from there point of view from there world.

well thats my speal im a wee bit tired so if it dosnt make any sense let me know i will try and edit it in the morning.... ok ok in the afternoon

Ark
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Tothian
President & Founder of the Heroes Network
President & Founder of the Heroes Network
Tothian


Posts : 5876
Join date : 2011-10-12
Titles : Real Life Superhero, Marine Corps Veteran, Warrior
Mission : Serve God, fight evil, protect people, help the Real Life Superhero Community

What a Leader is - and isn't Empty
PostSubject: Re: What a Leader is - and isn't   What a Leader is - and isn't I_icon_minitimeSat Jan 14, 2012 10:32 pm

Ark,

Sorry for the late reply, I remembered trying to see if I could think of anything in response to what you said, then kept getting distracted by other posts - but, just read your post again, and actually I think you said it pretty well.
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Thanatos

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PostSubject: Re: What a Leader is - and isn't   What a Leader is - and isn't I_icon_minitimeSun Apr 22, 2012 2:35 am

I would add that a leader also provides balance to the team with his diescisions regarding actions and responses and simple managment
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PostSubject: Re: What a Leader is - and isn't   What a Leader is - and isn't I_icon_minitimeSun Apr 22, 2012 3:26 am

gee I'm a bad leader cuz I make wrong choices & a bad soldier,cuz i can't follow orders,i wonder where that leaves me?...oh yea,solo adventurer!lol
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PostSubject: Re: What a Leader is - and isn't   What a Leader is - and isn't I_icon_minitime

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