What are the traits of an effective shepherd? Many traits could be listed. I like what Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence.
Hence the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a man's associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose" (Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bits & Pieces, September 15, 1994, p. 4).
Looking through several books and quotes about effective leadership I came up with a list of traits. These three were present in most of the lists:
- Courage - Leaders expressed ideas to help others improve, in spite of personal risk or opposition.
- Non-conformity - Simply swimming with the tide leaves you nowhere.
- Foresight - The ability to look ahead and see what's coming…