What do we do when we are thrust into a position of leadership?  And I’m not talking about suddenly being made the CEO of a company or being thrown into the position of a battlefield commander.  I’m just talking about leadership as a home room teacher, a parent, a civic organization leader, or a student in a university.

From all of the books and lectures, YouTube videos, Podcasts, and seminars you can participate in on leadership principles, you may think leadership is a “status” only a few achieve.  And you know, you are half right.  Only some do what is required to lead.

Over the next few weeks we are going to explore what it means to be a practical leader – and it is not as cosmic as we may think.  As I have been led, acted as a leader, and studied leadership, there are three points which stand out to me as characteristics of a leader.

• Initiative – This is as simple as doing something when you see that it needs to be done.  Theodore Roosevelt (one of my favorite leaders) said: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
• Integrity – This is doing or finishing what you say you were going to do; the follow through.  Dwight D. Eisenhower said that “the supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”
• Instruction – In other words, do as I do, not just as I say.  Wilfred Peterson says “the leader sees things through the eyes of his followers.  He puts himself in their shoes and helps them make their dreams come true.  The leader does not say, “Get going!” Instead he says, “Let’s go!” and leads the way.  He does not walk behind with a whip;  he is out in front with a banner.”

As men and women in any walk of life, we have found ourselves doing or showing all three of the above principles.  We may not have thought of ourselves as leaders at the time, but I can guarantee that those around us sure did.  Over the next few weeks we will break down the three principles of practical leadership, and as we do, remember that practical leadership is not cosmic.  It is simply teaching, showing initiative, and walking with integrity.