At the core of leadership are boundaries and borderlines. It is easy to cross the lines from being a leader to a follower but it can be so difficult crossing from being a follower to a leader. Here are some rules every leader will strictly enforce on themselves.
1. They will listen more than they speak
“There is a difference between being a leader and being a boss. Both are based on authority. A boss demands blind obedience; a leader earns his authority through understanding and trust.” – Klaus Balkenhol
This is a sacred code of being a leader, to listen and absorb details. Such shows wisdom and leadership over folly and followership. By paying attention and listening, more leaders can be rationale and act decisively rather than impulsively.
2. They will show courage rather than cower
“Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson
Leaders are not afraid of delving into new territories or taking risks. They are afraid but they do not show it. Rather, they hide their trembling in bravado and courage. They know that their courage and bravery could be the underlying factor in achieving success and attaining a goal.
3. They will always be made of outstanding character
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
At the end of the day, it really is not about the strategy or the technique they have used to achieve their goals, it is the character they showed in the process. Every leader lives on the sacred rule of being ruled by an outstanding character that is enviable not only to their followers but also to persons of an opposing faction. Character is at the core of leadership.
4. They will always be committed to their objectives
Wisdom equals knowledge plus courage. You have to not only know what to do and when to do it, but you have to also be brave enough to follow through.” – Jarod Kintz
Leaders do not sit on the fence. It is either they are in or out. They are always committed to their goals and will put their energy only into a cause they believe in. Even if they do not see the fruition of their cause, they will follow through with the process of execution and actualizing their goals to the very end.
5. They will not be average
“Average leaders raise the bar on themselves; good leaders raise the bar for others; great leaders inspire others to raise their own bar.” – Orrin Woodward
One sacred rule of leadership is to focus on excellence. Mediocrity has nothing to do in the rule books of leaders. They are always striving to be better and be pacesetters. They want to be excellent and want to be models others will follow.
6. They will always learn
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. —Jack Welch
This goes beyond gaining a formal education. Leaders know that learning is endless and knowing through their experience and the experience of others makes them more knowledgeable and be better seasoned as leaders. They dedicate themselves to reading and learning through unconventional methods if they have to. The goal is to attain wisdom and to satisfy their curious minds.
7. They will act accordingly rather than procrastinate
“If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. But do not care to convince him. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.” —Henry David Thoreau
Leaders do not hesitate or simply dreamers. They act. In reality, their actions motivates others to act. They are willing to be the one to set an example and show the way. Leadership is not about simple talk, it is also about walking the walk and acting right.
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