What makes a leader?

[Jennifer5]

that's the whole question.... what makes a leader?

[Vanessa White]

Jen: I know that we have referred to this idea in other threads, as far as the type of person that should lead the gay community toward change. In my opinion, and to speak from what would want me to follow a leader:

Passion about the cause they are in the name of;
Consistency in thought, word, and deed- not hypocritical;
Knowledgable- As a leader, you have to know your topic and your audience very well;
Persistence- NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Willingness to consider new ideas, their own or those that follow them;
Humbleness(is that a word?!)- not that it makes that person weak, it is just that they are not arrogant toward their followers or those they are trying to influence;
Loving, human, vulnerable, peaceful- it has to be a person who lets you see their human side, and that has a true, thoughtful regard for other human beings, and ensuring their dignity and worth.

THere are probably others. I just was envisioning a person that I consider to be a leader that I look up to, and these are some of the qualities that that person possesses. I am not good at being a follower, unless that leader is someone that I feel I could defend to others because they represent pretty fully what I believe- does that make sense?

Any other humble opinions out there???

Great thread, Jen. BTW, I have been wondering also: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ZERBIE?!?!?:lol: :lol:

[Jennifer5]

Thanks... I'm getting a little bit of what people say now... but I'm not sure if I'm ready for all of this.... thanks Vanessa!:love:

Yeah, Zerbie... don't stop posting we need you! I need people to help me...

[Zerbie]

Great thread, Jen. BTW, I have been wondering also: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ZERBIE?!?!?:lol: :lol:

BOO!:lol: :lol: :lol: :D nice ta see I was missed here. :love: :love: This IS like a cyber home. :p (I was busy this morning.)

I like Vanessa's description of a leadership persona. And I am the same way about not being able to follow someone unless I believe in what is being done. These issues are SO huge, SO important, and impact people SO deeply it's not possible to be careful enough about how we approach them, & with how we treat people in the process. That includes the people we disagree with and who disagree with us.

[Jennifer5]

okay... how about... what do you want from soulforce leaders?

[Zerbie]

Almost nothing to add to what Vanessa said. I want to stress the importance of humility and willingness to consider other viewpoints and re-evaluate one's own. You MUST have a patient regard for the humanity of those you disagree with, or what good is any of it? And you must be willing to live with difficult questions and uncertainty.

THe only add-on I'd say is, that person also needs to be a good strategist and well-organized (or be in cohoots with somebody who is.;) ) Strategy is important because it keeps you talking about the important things at the appropriate times, to the appropriate audience. It enables you to identify what CAN be done from what can't, and when you want to try and fight a battle to "lose forward" or when you want to pass an argument by and save your guns for a bigger one.

Then of course, you have to have the toughness to bear with it when 25% of your followers say you're aiming too high and pushing too far too fast, and another 25% of your followers say you aren't doing enough. :rolleyes:

[NathanATX]

The passion to lead and the humility to follow.
A strong sense of self and an even stronger committment to honor others' "sense of self."
Willingness to go through the pain and challenges of growth & transformation first, in order to show others the way.
Unending hope. Limitless compassion. Eternal drive.
An ability to set clear boundaries and limits.
An ability to say "no" so that she/he may be truly ready when the time comes to say "yes."

[Jennifer5]

okay.:) :eek:

[Vanessa White]

Thanks, Nate and Zerbie. Jen, is this helping for you to get a clearer picture? Do you, Jen, have anyone in your life that you view as an effective leader, based on any of these ideas or ideas of your own that you have? I would be curious and hoping that you do.....

[Jennifer5]

Yeah... all of you are leaders... and then there are the more noticed ones that stand out... Mel White... Jake Reitan.... and several other people.... I consider many people leaders... but I don't always know why I feel this way:)

[Mia14]

Jen, don't be intimidated by the long list of things for a leader. When you find that passion, I think everything else can fall into place. When you find something that moves inside you, you are inspired and find the will to do things you never thought you could.

Also, we all lead in different ways. Mel White led millions, but it's just as important that you lead in smaller ways, like in your community or even just immediate circle of friends.

Leading sometimes means to me that people look to you for direction without you telling them to look at you. Sometimes just being confident in yourself and your actions can be enough to make others look up to you and follow your example without you ever intending to be a leader.

Don't underestimate the power inside you. It's waiting there for you to call on it. We are all stronger than we think.

[Vanessa White]

That is true.... we all feel fearful to tap into our own potential at times. we need to face those fears.....

[Jennifer5]

Thank you... I think that's probably the most realistic truth:love: