Leadership requires good character

These days, many of my conversations center around how to become the leader that others want to follow. One of my challenges I face in my work is many people don't think they can lead because they believe that leadership traits are something people are bestowed with at birth. 

I disagree. Instead, I assert that leaders are made and one of the strongest arguments for this position revolves around the importance of character in a person.  I believe that anyone can lead, but those with good character lead best.

Why does character in a leader matter so much?

1) Character is a choice: All people are born, but character is a choice; a choice to do the hard things when no one is looking and doing the right thing constantly when we know everyone is. It means when we fail, we own it not looking for anyone to blame and when our teams fail, we step out in front to take the brunt of the consequence.

2) Followership demands it: While people will overlook some inexperience and even mistakes, they will not overlook poor character. People just will not follow people they don't trust and can't respect.

3) Character lives on:  When everything in our lives has been said and done, there may be only one thing left that truly lives on in the hearts and minds of those we care about. It will be stories about how we did the right thing when we didn't have to, helped people when they needed us, and the way we cared for others.

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What is shepherding?

?Shepherding: The art of becoming the leader that others want to follow

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