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According to the wisdom of Chinese philosopher Confucius, the best leaders are often the most reluctant. In other words, too much ambition can get in the way of good leadership. Humility is a key component in effective leadership - whether applied to the arena of politics, the corporate world or the role of the head of a family, an overblown ego gets in its own way and everyone else's.

The best leaders know when to put on the brakes, when to stand back and let others make decisions and receive glory, when to say less and listen more, when to rule rather than govern. Micromanagement breeds contempt, and a truly great leader is one who effectively empowers others. An overly controlling nature makes for bad management. Yet, a good leader must also know when to assert authority and "take charge" even if only as a last resort.
The true meaning of authority is "to serve." A successful leader is one who effectively serves the needs of others, whether it be the needs of a Nation, a corporate body or a family unit.

In the Western world, there is a tendency to confuse power with force; accomplishment with busy-work. We often forget that less is often more, and leadership often justifies itself more by what it doesn't do than by pushing its weight around. A strong leader knows that it is often better to be on "stand-by" and be a good listener, than to rush around trying to prove a point and overshooting the goals of a group.

An effective leader does not aim to make others dependent, but encourages and motivates others towards greater autonomy. Strong nations, households and businesses are built when the individuals within have cultivated a wholesome sense of self confidence. A truly great leader knows how to inspire others to their own greatness.

All too often, when a new politician or other official gets elected, the first thing he sets about doing is to make himself look busy and indispensable to justify his salary and position. This often results in unnecessary, confusing and complicated change to the structure or system he was appointed to steward. The best leader knows the adage "If it doesn't need fixing, don't fix it!" More legislation does not make for less crime; more busywork does not make for better accomplished goals. So often, the best a good leader can do is to trim an already over-bloated body politic, or to simply stand back and grace his subjects with some breathing space to assess their own dilemma (assuming there is a problem!). More often than not, the problem is with an overbearing system of governance that has discouraged its public from thinking for themselves!

Which brings us to another important asset of a good leader: self-confidence! It is self-confidence that truly rules, not merely governs. A confident leader inspires others to be confident in themselves. Insecurity is all too often played out by a bloated need to assert control over others for control's sake. Despite the outward displays of power, people will sense that insecurity in a leader and eventually respond with resentment, rebellion and confusion.

Most importantly, a good leader is a "peacemaker." A peacemaker knows how to exude calm when calm is needed; knows how to nurture and soothe relations between others and is a catalyst for trust. A good leader doesn't resort to mud-slinging or slander as a cheap campaign tactic, but acts with honor and dignity in any conflict, setting an example for others to do the same. That is the kind of leader that can truly be looked up to!

Learn more about this author, Violet Fortune.
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