Qualities of a Good Leader

tennis ball and raquet

What are the qualities of a good leader? Is it someone we can trust? Someone who sets a good example? Perhaps we’d say it is someone who has no hidden agenda, but who wants everyone to succeed?

Often when we think of a leader, we think of someone who is in charge of a large organization. Or thumbs upwe might think of a leader as someone who is in charge of a country.

But right now, I’d like to talk about the qualities of a good leader that were exhibited by our sweet friend and neighbor, Ron.

During Ron’s recent memorial service, one of his nephews said when Ron watched his son and daughter play tennis, if they missed a point, Ron reacted as if he missed the point. If they scored a point, Ron reacted as if he scored the point.

Referencing Psalm 23, the nephew went on to say that’s what a good leader, a good shepherd, does. A good leader feels what we feel. He mourns when we mourn, and he rejoices when we rejoice.

I like that picture of a good parent. A good leader. A good shepherd.

check listRon’s daughter shared some of the lessons she learned from her father during the service. Here are a few of the things on her list to give you a brief glimpse of the man she called dad.

  • Always give your best effort.
  • Always have a Plan B.
  • Give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove you wrong.
  • Everyone is dealing with something.
  • There are two sides to every story.
  • Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.

 

Although you may have heard most, if not all, of the above sayings before, I’m thinking you may not have heard this last one. “The bus isn’t leaving.” (Stop rushing.) I can almost hear Ron say that in his Reading, Pennsylvania accent.

Ron led by example. That’s what good leaders do. It wasn’t do as I say, not as I do with him. He wasn’t distant in his children’s lives. He coached them not only through tennis, but through life as well.

Jesus led by example, too. It wasn’t do as I say, not as I do with him either.  Jesus came to this earth to show us what it means to be a good leader. He showed us how to be a servant-leader.

One of the top qualities of a good leader is someone who wants us to do our best. In those times children soccer teamwhen we can’t return a shot and miss a point, I believe Jesus aches with us.

When we score the point and win the match, I believe he celebrates with us.

Do you think Jesus might be telling us the same thing Ron told his children?

Stop rushing through this life. The bus isn’t leaving quite yet.

Pay attention to those around you. Lean in. Take time to listen to their stories.

Lend a hand when you can. Ache when they ache. Celebrate when they celebrate. We’re all in this together.

Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humble with the Lord.

When we pause to think about it, maybe those are the qualities of a good leader after all.

What qualities do you look for in a leader?

I wish you well,

Sandy

Sandy Kirby Quandt

Sandy Kirby Quandt is a follower of Jesus with a passion for history and travel. Passions that often weave their way into her stories and articles. She writes articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children publications. She is a regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, as well as a conference speaker. Sandy has won multiple awards for her writing, including several years in the Young Adult category of the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. However, her greatest honor came when she received the Right Stuff Award at Space Camp for Educators. Looking for words of encouragement or gluten-free recipes? Then check out her blog at https://sandykirbyquandt.com

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