What makes a good leader?

Rather a subjective question this morning Bloganuary.

Good leaders are often those whose leadership is the result of organic growth rather than ambition. I prefer people who lead with considered opinions rather than certainty. I like a leader with a sense of their own self worth without an over inflated ego. I prefer appropriate action over ” talking the talk” I prefer time limited leadership. 3 years is about right. If things are all going wonderfully another 3 years can be granted if things are not quite so tickety-boo or the leader feels they have done enough then a change can be made with no loss of face.

My magpie mind has done me no good with regard to Leadership. I was about 12 when the quote below floated into my head like a dandelion seed and has stayed there ever since.

Goodness knows why this lodged in my adolescent mind. It has stuck with me and I have judged myself and others by this one sentence. Sadly this sentence is painfully true in many people who are put into or find themselves in leadership positions.

Beauty, sexual availability and physical strength, wealth and self-esteem, as well as suitability can all forge a path towards leadership. But whatever path gets you there the risk of being corrupted by the power is very real. Power is intoxicating to many. It really doesn’t matter if a leader is running a team of two other burger flippers or a country with nuclear weapons or anything in between the risk of corruption is always there.

So to answer the question. “What makes a good leader?”

In my somewhat skewed opinion. Knowledge, skill, humanity and collaboration. The ability to listen more than talk and to make appropriate decisions at the right time. To flex and pivot as circumstances change. A sense of personal style with a good moral compass in the same pocket as a smartphone. The moral compass should be used more often than the phone.

Which of these cows would you choose as the leader?

They are a nod to the history of the buildings they are near.

The eager pink one is heading off in the direction of the abattoir. Not for me.

The green one needs lunch immediately. Not for me.

The orange one is ruminating, pondering the situation. Orange Cow you are my kind of woman.

Freedom in the shape of a tunnel is just a few steps away.

The path will be rocky.

But if she leads them in the right direction there will be wild flowers and lush grass to nibble at. I just hope her power is not corrupted along the way.