Tom Decotils: Article Analysis

There are many qualities that come to mind when a person thinks of a good leader. It may not be an actual person that is pictured when term “leader” comes in casual conversation, but instead just a series of characteristics or experiences that might make a person fit to be in charge. Or rather instead there are some that see themselves when they think of authority and power, still even those that imagine what they could become if given the proper training. The emphasis society places on leadership is undoubtedly instilled within the minds of every child from a young age that are urged that having a sense of leadership is the only way to be successful. Despite this, only few are really fit for a position where

Contrary to what some might believe a successful leader should represent, authentic leadership shows us that a leader is not someone who leads without being willing to follow. An authentic leader can and should be vulnerable, open, and the truest version of themselves. These leaders do not have all of the answers, and they are willing to admit it. This openness creates an environment of mutual trust and respect and ultimately creates a positive work

There are two types of people in this world: those that lead, and those that follow. A leader should be someone that people are willing to stand behind; a leader should be strong and know their impact on the world. As Queen Elizabeth II said herself, “I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together (BrainyQuote)”. A leader should be able to stand as his or her own unique person; she should, however, always be responsible, involved with her peers, reliable, and be able to handle

Leadership is, and always has been, a vital aspect of social and economic constructs. It is essential to the survival of societies, industries, organizations, and virtually any group of individuals that come together for a common purpose. However, leadership is difficult to define in a single, definitive sense. As such, theories of leadership, what constitutes a great leader, and how leaders are made have evolved constantly throughout history, and still continue to change today in hopes of improving upon our understanding of leadership, its importance, and how it can be most effective in modern organizational cultures.

An effective leader must be able to uphold their values against adversity, adapt and overcome, and act in the best interest of their Soldiers. The excerpt “I know my Soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own” from the NCO Creed really speaks to what a leader is. Authenticity is key – showing subordinates and peers that you are not without fault and that just because you are in a leadership position does not mean you cannot learn from others. Leaders with this mentality increase trust and morale in their respective units; thus increasing work productivity and giving their subordinates a greater sense of job satisfaction.

Leadership is defined as ‘the process in which an individual influences the group of individuals to attain a common goal’. The goal is attained by mutual cooperation and cohesive behavior. A leader infuses a sense of positivity and directs others to reach the specified goal. Therefore for a person to be a successful leader they need to work hard to accomplish their goal and influence others to do the same. For greatest success and communication with their hierarchy they must be trustworthy and responsible. In addition, the person needs to be nice and approachable so that they can interact with others and are as approachable as possible. Although a leader must be approachable they still need to

I think a leader is a person who can stand up for what they believe in. They don’t give up. If someone or something discourages they they will take a stand. Or if his/her friends, acquaintances, or anyone in general, they will take a stand in what they believe in. They don’t call people names or betray them behind their backs, they try to stop that. Leaders try their best. They believe everyone can do anything if they at least try. When a leader gets a chance to do good, they will.

Leadership is something that people are born with. It is an inherent charm and it doesn’t hide even if you want to hide it. There is a leader amongst us and he or she is the one that leads other people to great things by inspiring and motivating people to do good deeds. Leadership has been described as “a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. This way a leader can decide what work goes in and goes out. Good leaders in history have left a mark in walks of life. But great leaders, they’re different. Great leaders have the ability to make each and every individual re-think their life decisions and choices by

A well-rounded, personable figure, who strives for and achieves excellence in their multi-faceted life - these characteristics form a strong - and potentially “great” - leader. Honestly, I can easily see these attributes in my everyday life. From music to academics, the arts to athletics, I can say I have achieved an above average status in all. In doing so, my social skills and overall rapport with my peers has expanded beyond the usual lengths; I feel that I have found friends or at least acquaintances across all sorts of social groups. These connections and relationships significantly contribute to being a successful leader, and are the primary reason I find myself suited for this

Becoming an effective leader is a lot like being in the stock market. You don’t make your fortune in a day; you make it daily, a little bit at a time. What matters most is what you do day after day, over the long haul. The secret to leadership success is investing in your leadership development, much like letting your assets compound. The final result is “Leadership Growth” over time. Leaders aren’t born; their made. The process of leadership is long, complicated and has made elements. Respect, dignity, discipline, people skills, vision, emotional strength, opportunity, preparedness and experience are just some of

John Quincy Adams once said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” There are many qualities that a person must have in order to be a great leader, if all he/she care about is power and control than they are not a great leader. A great leader is someone who is always looking towards the future. He/she has a plan and even when that plan may not be the most popular thing they stick with it and carry it out. A great leader is also always looking to better the society or the group he/she is in, he/she never gives up on making the world a better place and aren’t afraid to stick up for what he/she believes in. Another quality a great leader must have is being patient with his/her peers and always treating them with respect, he/she have to demonstrate a clear understanding of people and be able to understand and accommodate to a person’s needs. A great leader is always willing to put the needs of the group in front of his/her own and is willing to make sacrifices in order to better the society.

Anyone has the potential to be a leader, but it takes a strong and willing person to be a great leader. First and foremost a leader must be willing to take responsibility, for he’s own action and the action of others, and be willing to step up to the plate at all times. He must be willing to listen at time, for advice from those who he leads.

Arguably, there are countless different definitions of leaders in the world, and my experience brought me in contact with countless worthy people who excel as examples of this. Consequently, by utilizing the abundant case studies over the last 28 years of my career, I formed the following definition of what a leader is: A morally grounded individual who meets all challenges with an infectious excitement which others wish to emulate. This drive inspires allegiance to this individual, mostly without a formal request to follow. The members just choose to assist this individual in meeting the desired results without a need for the accolades of a successful result.

The quality of pursuit as an essential skill of today’s leader is often overlooked. Leaders are taught to communicate well and be authentic. They are encouraged to be caring individuals and fair to employees. But how often are they coached and inspired in the actual pursuit of leadership? According to Gregory Morris, “potential leaders may be born, but effective leaders are made” (p.28).In today’s ever changing world it is more important than ever that leaders pursue their craft as never before. It has been said that great leaders just can’t settle for the status quo. They are never really satisfied with static thinking, conventional wisdom, or common performance. In fact, the best leaders are simply uncomfortable with a lack of forward movement.

For decade’s individuals, companies, and organizations have spent an unprecedented amount of money on researching, molding, modeling and working to define what a leader is and what characteristics make successful leaders. Despite all the research, there is not a quick answer or even full agreement as to what makes an individual an effective leader. The definition of a leader is “someone who can influence others and who has managerial authority.” (Robbins, Decenzo, Coulter, 2015. P.370)