President “Teddy” Roosevelt was a phenomenal leader who once said:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles…The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who at his worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory no defeat.”
Leadership is not easy. As leaders, we are forced to do the things that others won’t or can’t – not because we are better, but because it’s our responsibility.
Leaders are forced to step forward and do the work, get in the arena, and get dirty. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (That’s Hustle.)
Leaders understand failure, but are struggling to stomach it. The taste is so bitter that it drives a leader to do whatever is necessary to not experience that taste again.
Leaders can’t comprehend indifference. Indifference breeds failure. Leaders have no place for indifference in their teams or lives.
Leaders understand you don’t have to always treat people the same, but you always treat people fair.
Leaders don’t point fingers, they uncover solutions. Leaders know that part of leading is doing whatever it takes.
Leaders cast vision, communicate expectations, have hard conversations, and articulate intensity.
Leaders speak when necessary, but understand the deafening power of silence.
Leaders appreciate the efforts of those that are empowered to lead knowing that leadership is about stewardship, not power; that leadership is humbling and a responsibility.
Leaders, even when scared and insecure, step forward and fight. Not for the sake of the fight, but for the sake of the organization they are passionate about because passion supersedes position.
Are you ready to lead? What traits do you admire in leaders?
Dang dude. Powerful.
I admire leaders who allow others to grow. Leaders who let others lead and are willing to step in and mentor and coach as they see fit and necessary.
Love it Brewster!
Communication. When leaders truly communicate their plans and Passion, that’s when teams come together.
Leaders I relate to best, execute well but are always humble.
They are good stewards & most importantly serve the people they lead. The difference between leaders and Christian leaders is who they ultimately serve. The Christian leader must be like a shepherd and care about the one sheep as much as the flock. That is a great challenge but necessary for one who leads in The Church.
Great post man. Thanks for you insight this morning… Helped me out a bunch. Much love.
worthy and worthwhile! I esteem character, vision, competence, resilience and emotional intelligence in leading people. One thing’s certain… you can’t fix stupid!
“Leadership is about stewardship” – love it.
Humility.
My favorite line: “Leaders cast vision, communicate expectations, have hard conversations, and articulate intensity.”
So many leaders struggle with the hard conversations because they have not set the proper expectation and guided the best-practices to achieve the vision.
Great post, very well written!
Level headed. Love a leader that leans on principle more than emotion.