Have you ever watched a big group of elementary aged children during recess? They run around laughing, climbing, yelling, and playing. Watching them, it seems like a chaotic event. However, when the whistle blows, the children recognize the cue to line up in an orderly way in order to be lead into the building to their classroom. The teacher that blew the whistle is the leader that makes the call that it is time to go back in. The children did not need to keep track of the time as they played. They just had to focus on playing with the other children, building social skills and relationships while also releasing some pent up energy. These children trust the teacher lead them in the right direction.
To be a good leader, you must have several standard qualities about yourself. First of all, a leader works hard. While the children are running around playing, the teacher is on watch. She is looking to make sure the children are safe, and she is checking the time to see when it is time to get back to class. She is helping a child who fell, or she is helping the child off of the climbing wall. She is not resting or complacent.
"The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor." - Proverbs 12:24 (ESV)
Another set of qualities of a good leader is listening before answering, listening to both sides of the story, and being open to new ideas. Let’s say a conflict happens between two children on the playground. The teacher may have only seen a portion of it before intervening. The children are yelling at each other, and the teacher calms them down, asking them each for their side of the story. Before cutting them off, she calmly listens to one and then the other. She then decides what actions need to be taken, but then one of the children suggests something that may work out better for the two. She decides to go with that option because she sees that it really is better for both of the children and that the other child is agreeable to the suggestion. This teacher took control of the situation in a calm, orderly way. The children looked to her for guidance to lead them to a resolution that fit what they both wanted. Part of being a good leader is guiding others to interact with each other well.
"If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." - Proverbs 8:13 (ESV)
"And intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." - Proverbs 8:15 (ESV)
"The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." - Proverbs 8:17 (ESV)
A good leader is able to stand up under pressure. Maybe it happens that multiple conflicts break out on the playground. And then a child falls and scrapes his knees and hands. This child is screaming and crying. The pressure is on. What does the leader do? There is just so much that the teacher can do at one time. Three fights and an injured child all at the same time? She jumps into action with the whistle. Everyone lines up as she goes to the injured child checking on him and consoling him. The fights stopped when they went to the line. She had to quickly decide how to manage this large group of children and maintain control of various situations erupting. A good leader is strong under pressure when the people need it most.
"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." - Proverbs 24:10 (ESV)
On the other hand, a good leader must also stand up under praise. Another teacher notices what happened on the playground, and she was coming out to help get the fights under control when the lead teacher blew the whistle. She watched as the chaos turned to order, and she was impressed. After the school day was over and all of the children had went home for the day, the teacher praised the lead teacher for her quick thinking and actions. The next day at recess, the lead teacher remained vigilant for problems and when they happened, she was just as quick to resolve them. She didn’t let the praise of another go to her head. She didn’t become lax in her vigilance, nor did she begin to overthink the praise. She remained steadfast in her duties of being a good leader for the children. Your attitude toward praise tells a lot about your character. People of high integrity are to swayed by praise They are attuned to their inner convictions, and they do what they should, whether or not they are praised for it.
"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise." - Proverbs 27:21 (ESV)
So, a good leader has core characteristics that people rely on to guide them through obstacles. We look for someone who is level-headed, in control of themselves, calm, thoughtful, watchful, and who cares. One of the main attributes of a good leader is the attitude they have for those that are following. If a person doesn’t care what happens to the others, how can that person make sound and fair judgment calls? If the lead teacher did not care whether the children were fighting or the other child fell and was hurt, she wouldn’t have gotten the children under control to keep them safe. She would have let the fighting children hurt each other, and she would have left the other child to fend for himself. A good leader cares.
In what ways can you be a good leader to those around you? If a problem arises with others around you, how can you help resolve the situation while maintaining a compassionate attitude? Just because you may not have a “title” of leadership does not mean you can’t be a leader. We lead by example everyday. But to be a good leader, you set a good example of hard work, listening well, staying in control of yourself, and caring for those around you.
Gotta go fill up my cup…..
Coffee with Candee 