What makes a great leader?

It's been awhile since I last blogged my heart away. I'd have to blame exams for overwhelming my life leaving not much time for anything else. To be honest though, with the conclusion of the SAC appeal of the SFUO Elections' results, it seems like many bloggers from the U of O have taken somewhat of a blogger's hiatus. Anyhow, I'm glad that that is done and over with. Time to move on to bigger and better things and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead us.



On May 1st, most (if not all) mandates currently in effect for the federated bodies of the University of Ottawa will come to an end and the newly elected executives will begin their year-long journeys as student leaders. After being fortunate enough to have been elected last year to the PIDSSA executive, I have come to learn a lot about being a leader. I think that there are an endless amount of characteristics that student leaders can possess. As I personally embark on my renewed mandate as a member of the 2009-2010 PIDSSA executive, I wanted to share a list of top 10 characteristics that I find to be essential when it comes to being in the position of a leader.

1. A great leader never demands respect from others, he/she earns it.


2. A great leader, when surrounded by other leaders, recognizes when to lead and when to let others lead.


3. A great leader is easily approachable by others.


4. A great leader never says never.


5. A great leader accepts criticism and expects no praise.


6. A great leader learns from his mistakes.


7. A great leader is able to work with others when striving towards a common goal.
   
8. A great leader always takes into account the effect of his/her decision on those who he/she represents.
   
9. A great leader must be open to different opinions at the same time as having his/her own.
   
10. A great leader does not always say what he/she is thinking; he/she thinks before speaking.

I'm sure you all have your own favourite leadership charactiristics... therefore, I invite you to share by commenting bellow! Which ones are most important? Which ones can you get by without having? Which ones are hardest to acquire? Lets see what kind of dialogue we can create!