Dr. Smith, Interesting article. I would modify one aspect of a good leaser. Good leaders view those under their direction as an extension of themselves. As a team leader, I will not ask one of my team members to do something I would not or will not do myself. I also show them the respect they deserve and I expect in return. As a team leader, I assume the responsibility of my team member’s success and I take that very seriously. If one of my team fails it is because I have failed them. Perhaps through insufficient motivation, training or selecting the wrong person to be a member of the team. Ultimately team success or failure is the responsibility of its leader. Good article. Sean McCauley wrote:

Global world economy or not, the general principals of building influence, which is the very essence of leadership and/or being able to lead, is extremely simple no matter which continent you are on. The methods which may be used to build influence may differ and if that is what you are trying to discuss, I can see how that may further the discussion. Methods used in Spain may differ than those in Columbia and / or Mexico. All of which might affect the sphere of influence which is how leadership is measured.

There are those that have influence over themselves. There are others thay may hold influence with their immediate family and / or friends. There are others that may wield influence over communitities. Their sphere of influence may grow to even a national or global level but the number of global leaders is quite small.

Over history we’ve seen many examples of leaders, some which history has judged as “good” and other who have been judged as “bad” or even evil. All of whome are leaders, none the less.

I would love to hear how Dr. Mueller describes those methods used in Europe, the US and/or other cultures to grow influence and what examples of leaders that use these methods.

Earl, you will demand in the real world only the general accepted math principles. When you are in Europe you will verify the amount of Euros you receive for a given amount of US dollars subject to the current USD/EUR exchange rate. I have serious doubts that you would accept a tellers excuse that math works differently in Europe.

I respect that the subject leadership is more complex than a currency exchange rate issue. However, inherent complexity should not prevent us to thrive for a more general understanding of leadership. We are living in a global wotld.

I am interested in a copy if your PhD thesis. – Dr. Mueller

I like to inject some very different thoughts into the discussion. The leadership qualities are most times discussed on the American cultural background. The average European is rather cautious when a “leader” tries to explain what is good for the individual or an organization. Why does an individual need a leader when a reliable alternative, the own brain is fully functional?

My basic thought is that all leadership models are incomplete as long as not every continent, country or cultural entity is included equitable in the leadership model.

I would be pleassure to put my thoughts on “A Leader” to Dr. Earl Smith II, according to me a leader is a person who demonstrate the skills to influence people/resources to accomplish various objective for betterment of society/organization with true sense of integrity and desire.
People will only accept you as leader if you do something for society.

You’ve all made wonderful points but most relate to characteristics of someone they would like to have in a leader. A leader has influence. The perceived characteristics of that person albeit integrity, a servant’s heart, humility, knowledge, strength of will, charisma, charm and/or the ability to manage are all characteristics of people we may like in a leader but John Maxwell got this right when he said leadership is defined as influence. Nothing more and nothing less than influence.

Great article Earl and I also agree with the comments from the people above. I would only add that Leaders are not afraid to surround themselves with people who are better than them in areas they potentially have weaknesses. They are never contrained by current business limitations and (as you rightly point out) NEVER have to ask people to follow

Nice piece of writing. It is critical that a leader develop and understand how to follow in order to lead. A leader must posses many qualities and therefore think on his feet and motivate those around him. As a leader it is allways good to love thyself then move forward into your journey that awaits you.