When you think of great leaders, who comes to mind?
Does you mind immediately go to the most powerful? Do you think of presidents and prime ministers and military generals? Or do you consider the most successful—the self-made billionaires, the business moguls, the technology geniuses, the winningest coaches?
Or maybe the word great brings to mind leaders a little closer to home; maybe you picture that one high school teacher, or the pastor of your church, or the best boss you ever had, or the single mom who sacrificed so much to make your life better.
What is it about those leaders that makes them great? Is it the level of success they have achieved?
Yes, there are many great leaders who, by the world’s standards, have been very successful. But I don’t think success in and of itself is what makes a leader (or anyone) great.
This quote says it well:
“Being successful doesn’t necessarily make you great. What makes you great is when you reach back and help somebody else become great.”
— Joel Osteen
Great leaders are inspirational leaders. Great leaders “reach back and help somebody else.” Great, inspirational leaders engage others, inspire others, and empower others. Above all, great leaders help others become great!
