In a world full of people, personalities can be as different as night and day. Even so, most people can be categorized under two major headings: leaders and followers. Dwight Eisenhower once said, "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." John Quincy Adams said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
Dictionaries describe leaders as those who establish a clear vision then work to get others to willingly follow and become involved in that vision. Some people can easily persuade others to come on board with them to help make their vision a reality. For others, leading is much more difficult. What are the qualities a person might strive for to make them a good leader?
First of all, good leaders require the ability to communicate what they want others to do. A leader has to believe in his or her vision and have the confidence to present it to others. A good leader is enthusiastic and optimistic. A leader must have positive energy and a sense of humor. A leader must stay calm in difficult situations and be confident that everything will work out.
Next, good leaders set good examples, such as working hard and being on time. They put their heart and soul into everything they do. They are emotionally stable, well-adjusted and able to deal with whatever they are required to face. They are very self-confident and are generally unaffected by prior mistakes or failures. A person who is a true leader admits and learns from their mistakes while trying hard not to repeat them. Good leaders make good decisions. Those good decisions come from experience. Unfortunately, some of those experiences come from bad decisions along the way.
Good leaders are also competitive. They are decision-makers and, most of the time, they enjoy overcoming obstacles. They are assertive and tend to feel good about themselves. Confidence comes from their sound work ethic and from being prepared. They make the impossible seem possible. They are dominated by a sense of duty, have a high standard of excellence and an inward desire to do their best. They like order and are usually very self-disciplined.
Finally, good leaders are mindful of the ones giving them feedback. They search out the person who has a job, a bright future or a thriving business. They seek advice from people who are successful and have a stable life.
The 4-H Youth Development Program in Garland County promotes experiences that help youths grow and develop in many ways. Youths learn to identify their own leadership skills as they build on their strengths. Members become competent in communication, building relationships, planning and organizing, and service learning. They acquire the ability to apply their leadership skills to real life experiences, all the while learning to influence and support others in a positive manner towards a common goal. The 4-H program can give its members a head start on becoming great leaders!
EHC
Interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? For information, call 623-6841 or email [email protected].
Master Gardeners
If interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like information, the public is welcome to attend the meetings at 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Lake Valley Community Church, call the Extension office or email [email protected].
Society on 08/19/2017