Leadership quality

Be a good leader always...

I was going through a book of inspirational quotes when I found this interesting quote: “Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” 

This quote was attributed to John C. Maxwell, an internationally-recognised leadership expert, speaker, coach, and author who has sold over 19 million books.

These words reminded me of the recently held Students Council elections in my school. It was all about the young leaders of each grade, who had been selected for the investiture ceremony.

Every year our school forms a student council that acts as a medium between the students and the school authorities. Many students, who are unable to contact the teachers directly, can do so through this medium.

Although almost all of us wish to become a member of the student council group, only a few students who know how to convey their message to others get this opportunity. I too wish to become a leader, helping everyone in need, supporting the weak and encouraging the intelligent ones. 

I know that being a leader has never been a piece of cake. It needs those leadership qualities too. A leader is someone who does not only think about himself, but about all individuals who are part of his team. 

Yet many people become a boss instead of a leader. They must realise that a boss just supervises people, while a leader motivates them to do better.

I hope that these Students Council Members would understand the difference and try to be more of a leader than a boss.

(Published in The Gulf Today on May 23, 2015)