<p>I was sitting here pondering this question tonight. I thought it would be interesting to hear everyone’s input. Please post your opinions on this topic.</p>
<p>You can't tangibly or qualitatively define a good leader, you can only feel it (in other words, know a leader when you see one). Generally, you can get a feel for who the leaders are by looking at who their friends look up to, who gets elected to "Leadership" positions (Captain, Student Government, etc.). A leader, according to my definition, is someone that commands respect from peers and colleagues; is someone that people listen to and value their ideas.</p>
<p>Hmm, well now that somone else has posted i will post my feelings as well.
I completely agree, a leader contains all the intangibles. You cannot necassarily define what makes a good leader; however you know one when you see one. I think a great leader leads by example. If he is doing it right, their is no room for anyone lese to criticize his actions. I don't know if a good leader commands respect as much as earns the respect of his peers. However someone who commands respect is still an effective leader.</p>
<p>I think the Christian concept of a servant leader is an interesting one to think about. Leaders who by there actions, pave the way for their subordinates to do their jobs well, truly can motivate their troops. Maybe they found a way to get their people more services or supplies. Maybe they spent two hours cutting through red tape so as to be able to reward leave to an individual. That kind of thing. </p>
<p>Another thought that I have found (as a corporate leader) is that rather than just give orders (which I have the authority to do and which would be obeyed), I try to make subordinates understand why certain instructions are being given. I won't always tolerate discussion beyond a certain point but I want my subordinates to think and understand why we are taking an action. This enables them to own it. </p>
<p>I also spend time getting to know individuals. I have one guy who works for me that is very outgoing. He can say something loudly and forcefully and it may or may not be critical. Then I have another guy who is VERY quiet -- never says a word. Once, in a meeting, he said very quietly: "I don't think that strategy will work." Most people wouldn't have even heard him. Knowing him however, I knew that that comment was the same as the other guy standing on the table and shouting "Danger, danger, warning, warning."! You get the idea. Get to know your people -- very well. Great question!</p>
<p>A good leader will never ask of his men, anything that he is not willing to do himself. (I only used the masculine form for simplicity; the leader and troops apply to men and women alike)</p>
<p>is someone trying to get a little help on college essays??? haha jk</p>
<p>Ha ha . No Im really not. I was just sittign here pondering that question. it really pertains to a lot of the things i do. I serve on the board of directors for the Montana District Key Club so being a good leader really is somehting i must strive for because it so relevant to me now. I really was just wondering what everyone thought considering the fact I'm sure everyone has been asked this question already; besides m aybe it will get some people thinking.</p>
<p>yeah good idea...i think about stuff like that alot too- and i've decided that a good leader is someone who's not afraid to say what needs to be said for the betterment of the team/organization. as captain of my school's cheerleading squad, i know this especially- and i know the adverse effects of doing so (other cheerleaders talking behind your back about how rude/harsh you are- not that i care that much because i'm not really great friends with them). we have to make sacrifices to succeed, so i feel that if the team that you lead doesn't know that, then they need to wise up and get dedicated, or get off the team.</p>
<p>There are definitely tangible qualities of leadership, but that is not my place right as a four degree at the Air Force Academy, and it won't be as any of you enter the Academy as 4-digs. The only leadership you really need to worry about when you get here is setting an example of excellence for your fellow four-digs, and helping others in your flight and /or squadron as well as you can. It isn't about leadership this year, it's about follwership and teamwork. Your Cadre seeing you and your flight working together in Basic would be the best thing you could do towards getting them off your back. The only thing about leadership that should concern you is remembering the good and bad qualities of leadership the cadre or upperclassmen display, and using them in your future as a leader to your advantage, so that you don't have to make their mistakes as well.</p>
<p>Also remember this (one of my upperclassmen said this actually): A team isn't something you use to hide behind (because you suck) it's something to make you better than you normally could be.</p>
<p>My father and I spoke about this at great length. He said the are three forms of leadership and you can have any one, any two, or all three (the more the better). First is "authority" given to you by rank or job title. Second is "knowledge" where people listen and respect what you say because you know what you are talking about. Last is "charisma" where people just gravitate towards you because of your personality or some other reason. The rare person with all three has it made.</p>
<p>I don't think that I would agree with the first one because the question was qualitative..."What makes a GOOD leader?" Just because one is in a position of authority doesn't make him/her a good leader. Also, people can be very knowledgeable in their field of expertise but still not be a good leader. You're getting warmer with charisma.</p>
<p>Yes but a good leader still must have knowledge on his area of expertise or his men will not listen to him, escpecially if their lives are on the line. The simple truth is that all of us who go to the academy or end up as officers are being trained to deal with the pressures of having a group of mens lives in our hands. If we are not knowledgable about what we are doing the men will revolt or they will do what they need to survive. No one wants to die.</p>
<p>Yes, a good leader must be knowledgeable, but knowledge doesn't make a good leader.</p>
<p>I would much rather have a leader that knew what he or she was doing and you could trust what they said than have one that didn't know but everyone liked because they were friendly and kind.</p>
<p>"friendly and kind"...where did that come from? How about describing a bad leader?</p>
<p>It came from the Muppit Show.</p>
<p>Shines...good advice..."setting an example of excellence" And you're absolutely right, as you encounter people in positions of leadership at USAFA on a daily basis, you can certainly observe good and bad qualities as well as how the cadets respond to certain leaders, thus helping you when you are in a position of leadership.</p>
<p>I think a bad leader is one that thinks he/she must know everything and will stand by a bad decision just to keep from admitting they're wrong.</p>
<p>A good leader cares about their team. A good leader does what they are good at and knows when to delegate and who to delegate to. Good leaders earn respect by being honest, trustworthy, commited, caring, and by getting the job done. I think, most of all, a good leader is able to pull the best out of each person on the team.</p>