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I would like to consider returning to the subject of leadership. I realize this
discussion has come up a number of times recently and the community may be tiring
of the discussion. There is an angle that I feel has not been given it’s
due, however, and I would like to see it considered. The discourse on leadership
has primarily been one of what makes for a good leader in terms of characteristics
and how a good leader is forged. This leaves out one important point; what does
a leader do once they have assumed the role?
My concern here is that many wish to become leaders and many possess the qualities
that are requisite for such a position. Yet, it is necessary for this individual
to consider the responsibilities inherent in such a position. As an example,
take a look at what politicians must endure in order to pursue their careers.
The public and media practically live in their lives. They are picked apart,
chewed up, and spit out.
What I am suggesting is that as a leader, you become the focal point not only
of the group that you lead, but also of the community in which that group is
a part. The leader not only must possess the qualities that have been previously
discussed, but also be willing to take on deeper responsibilities.
The leader of any given group must have that groups best interests at heart.
They not only become a guiding force for the group, but often must set aside
their own goals and pursuits in deference to those of the group. This doesn’t
mean they must sacrifice all their personal goals, but that they must find a
balance which will often be a sacrifice for them. They must still grow and learn
as stagnation will certainly stunt their ability to lead.
A leader must have vision for the future of the organization in which they
lead. They should not be the all powerful dictator. They need to be able to
listen and understand the needs and desires of the other members as a leader
is not only a leader, but is also a participant. They need to make clear the
direction the community is heading in.
A leader must possess, and I feel this is particularly important, a strong
character and a moral structure that is in symbiosis with the organization.
A good leader must possess a charisma as they are the face of the group to the
public. They need to have strong qualities that work in conjunction with the
group and be able to interface with the public at large. They need to be able
to take the brunt of the anguish that will inevitably come from outside sources,
often times, upon their own shoulders for the sake of their organization. They
need to be able to share the success that occurs with their group and ensure
that they not attempt to keep the spotlight for themselves. They should not
be of questionable character and should not make everything about themselves,
for themselves, waffle, or be contradictory in their dealings with other people,
organizations, or with themselves.
This is not an easy road. This is not a path most would willingly go down should
they know beforehand the trials and sacrifices that lie before them. Those in
such positions should take note of what it means and seriously determine if
it is what they want and if they can withstand the pressure and responsibility
of such a position. Those who desire such a role should take heed and look at
the lives of those who are in these roles. Questions to consider; How does the
guiding force of your community compare with what you perceive to be a good
leader? If you have desires to become a leader, have you considered how this
would change your life? Have you considered the sacrifices you would have to
make to become a good leader?
This article is © 2003 ShadowMind. Please do not redistribute or reproduce
without the expressed permission of the author.
This article is presented as part of an ongoing effort to present other views outside of, as well as within, the online vampire community. Those of us who consider ourselves vampiric don't always look at things from the same viewpoint due to our life experiences. As such, the views and opinions contained in this article are entirely those of the author(s), and may not necessarily be shared by SphynxCatVP. The webmaster is not under obligation to update or otherwise keep current the contents of this article. Most importantly, only you can decide for yourself whether this article or any of the author(s) other views are useful or applicable to you - you are responsible for using your own reasoning and judgement, so judge wisely.
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