Public leaders are elected to transform the present into a better future for the electorate. The list below describes characteristics attributable to successful leaders in the past.
A Leader is:
- A visionary that captivates his constituency with purpose and progress
- Able to maintain a global perspective for we are part of a bigger whole
- Passionate about making a difference . . . a positive difference
- A servant leader - is selfless and seeks to benefit people at all levels of society
- Resolute in the face of corruption, abhors personal gain at the expense of the people
- Accountable, acknowledges mistakes, takes corrective actions, learns from them and moves on. Emotionally intelligent, able to direct their own and other emotions to a positive end
- Flexible, knows when to take control and when to let others run with the ball
- Surrounds themselves with people smarter than they are
- One with the “courage -- integrity -- resolution” to adhere to core principles
“Woodrow Wilson called for leaders who, by boldly interpreting the nation’s conscience, could lift a people out of their everyday selves. That people can be lifted into their better selves is the secret of transforming leadership.” James MacGregor Burns