The American political journey continues with every new election. Newspapers, televisions, automobile bumpers, front yards and mail boxes have been crowded with the usual "Vote for me...I want to be your leader" stuff! Citizens vote. Issues are decided. Leaders are chosen. And as soon as the dust settles, the process begins again.
America is in a constant state of change; always in the "becoming" stage. That's part of the nature of freedom. True liberty allows for new experience and growth, improvements and mistakes. Freedom inspires new possibilities. It does not partner with a "wait and see" mentality; but encourages a "make it happen" attitude. That environment counts on quality leadership.
We need leaders. We need them in our homes, schools, businesses, communities, churches, military and government. We need leaders who are not afraid to live and lead by the convictions of the heart. We need leaders who are exemplary and not afraid to live by higher standards. Without their influence we lack direction and purpose.
What makes a leader?
Followers.
Dwight Eisenhower put it this way: "In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence."
Followers make a leader. Think about that. It doesn't matter how good you are at articulating your goals or inspiring others to join the cause; you don't become a leader because you've decided, but more accurately because others have decided in your favor. Followers make a leader.
How?
Followers make a leader by the virtue of their trust. That trust is earned by the quality of your life and the faithfulness of your word. 
Eisenhower went on to say that "the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible..."
Now, are you ready for the truth about you? You are a leader! But you have not won that right or responsibility by the process of an election. You are a leader because you have followers that trust you. Yes, you have followers!
- The child who looks up into your eyes hoping for encouragement or a hug.
- The business associates and clients that have learned that you always keep your word.
- The friends who know that you'll be there in the tough times, as well as the good.
- Anyone who has confidence in you.
Leadership is not political; it is personal! Take a personal interest in those who follow you and be the kind of person you would want to follow.
Leaders ViewPointe:
1) Consider your influence. Are you creating an environment where others have freedom to experience growth, explore improvements and learn from mistakes?
2) Ask yourself two questions: What am I doing that encourages trust and builds confidence? What should I do differently today that will earn their trust?
3) Remember: Leadership is Personal! It is to your credit to be more interested in the well being of those you lead, then to be consumed by an agenda that makes only you look good!
We are and will continue to hear many references about President Eisenhower during the current political campaigns. To Consider Eisenhower's Influence on the Political Scene Consider the following links:
Biography Info at http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/ike/ike.htm
His Presidential Farewell Address: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/dwightdeisenhowerfarewell.html This includes the full text, with audio and video links. Click here for a direct link to the video.
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