In Biblical stories, Jesus first became a servant before He could lead the disciples. He served by washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper, humbling Himself before them. In modern times, before you can lead, you need to know how to be a follower first. How has it become applicable in this day and time?
People tend to complain a lot about how erroneous their government is when it comes to making decisions for their country. But the question is: Who put them in that position? In the first place, it’s the people who voted for their ineffective leader. Isn’t it the big number of people who voted in the elections for that same leader? So, before you go out and vote, ask yourselves, what qualities do you look for in a leader who can make good changes for the country towards growth and progress? Not for their selfish interests, but for those who work for the common good, as the Constitution states.
Here are 10 of the qualities I can cite that people look for in a good leader.
- Honesty. The main problem now in many countries is graft and corruption. It is quite difficult nowadays to find an honest person, especially in a leader. It is good to look at a candidate’s history to see whether they live by their values and principles.
- Compassion. Being someone who considers other people’s shortcomings is a good quality. Isn’t it true that Jesus became the Healer for the sick and was able to lift up those who are poor in spirit? He found solace in attending to people’s needs and providing for them, especially when it came to Jesus as The Way, Truth, and Life.
- Trustworthy. Having a good leader to whom you can count on and entrust not only with your life but also with your family’s lives is a good characteristic. An effective politician should not betray the public’s trust. Having someone who will neither steal the country’s trust fund nor be a Judas makes a person worthy of your vote and following.
- Leads by example. You should not only be a good role model, exemplary with your work, but also lead by example. If you want respect, you show it to others first, rather than telling someone that you should be respected. Show and lead by example. Not only by telling it but by showing it.
- Approachable. If people cannot come up to you, how can you know what their ailments or problems are? What are their grievances? It’s not necessary to always be friendly, but being approachable would make people less hesitant to talk with you.
- Good moral character. You don’t have to be righteous all the time, but to have good moral character and values that others can see are redeeming qualities of good leadership. If a small amount of money cannot be entrusted to you, do you think placing a large amount would still make you honest? People would not want a politician who steals and fills their pockets, fattening their wallets merely for their selfish interests.
- Listener. In the midst of all the noise, people need more competent leaders who are good listeners. A leader who can not only hear but also listen with understanding and is compassionate. You see, the homeless people are increasing in numbers. They hardly talk. They sleep on sidewalks. An effective leader would develop solutions to society’s needs so that those living below the poverty line can access shelter, food, water, health care, and education.
- Stands firm in decision-making. A good leader knows how to get their feet on the ground and stand firm in their decisions. They should not be easily swayed or bribed. If the leaders come up with projects for the communities, the infrastructure should be solid, with a concrete foundation, not of poor quality that wears thin and is erodible because of substandard materials that only fatten their pockets.
- Finds solutions. What we need is a leader who can always find solutions. Not a problem maker. For example, in the province, students have to wade through mud and ride boats across rivers to get to their school. Solution? Build bridges and walkways to inspire children to do well in school. You don’t make it harder for them; you find what would ease their lives and bring them relief. Life is already hard enough; why make it more burdensome?
- Puts others first before oneself. A leader runs for candidacy because he wants to serve the public for the common good of the people. Not to be famous. Not for selfish undertakings. But for others.
