The critical assignments of a leader part (1)

Today we begin a series on leadership. Leadership is a very critical issue. Leaders determine the direction, pace and success of any organization. Each of us is a leader in one area or the other. A leader is someone who influences a certain group of people to achieve certain goals, aims and objectives. The quality of the leader will determine the quality and output of the followers.

“Everything rises and falls on leadership. If an organization is doing well, look at the leader. If a company is failing, look at the leader. No, it’s not the economy; it’s not the market; it’s the leader.

The action of the leader determines the fate of those under him. We simply cannot underestimate the importance of leadership. A leader determines if their followers either succeed or fail. No question about it. Every organization or institution you are in charge of will prosper or fail because of your leadership. Leaders, through their actions, have changed the course of history. Military leaders have redefined borders of countries and defended their land against invaders. Business leaders have built giant corporations that provide employment and income to thousands of people. Without these leaders, more people would be having trouble finding livelihood for their families. Spiritual leaders have caused changed in thought and perspective, leading to new worldviews and culture. This has impacted everything from beliefs, values, fashion, behaviors.” Ethan Lin

Leaders are needed in every strata of society and the absence of leaders in any area will lead to decay and decadence. The rot we are enmeshed in now in our times is largely the result of lack of effective leadership.

“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.” Harry S. Truman

Leaders show the way and pave the way for the followers to follow. A leader, therefore, must of necessity know the way and the destination. You cannot be a leader if you do not know where you are taking the people to.

“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” Reverend Theodore Hesburgh

The first assignment of a leader is the discovery and the articulation of the corporate vision. He must have a vision, a picture of the future he is trying to make the group to walk and live in. The leader’s vision is the reason why people will follow him. The vision is the big picture which he trying to paint in conjunction with his followers. Vision is the ultimate destination he is trying to get his followers to travel to. The vision determines the goals.  A leader guides his team toward achievable goals, aims and objectives. The leader must of necessity have people following him to get the job of carrying out the set goals, aims and objectives. An effective leader must be a good mobilizer. The leader must be a mobilizer of men and resources. The leader must mobilize his followers to achieve the purpose of the group. No one can be a leader without the ability to mobilize.

“My own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.” General Montgomery

To mobilize means to assemble for action, it means to get and make ready for action.

To be continued.