As we stop to celebrate our presidential leaders today, have you ever thought about what makes a good leader? 

Is it just the people in charge, at the top, or in positions of power? Or do you find leaders all around you? 

For me, leadership has always been an interesting topic. I was selected at a young age to become a leader. There have been times I succeeded and times I failed. There have also been times I did not want to be the leader, yet was placed in the role anyway. 

As I have studied being a leader, performed as a leader, and observed others being in leadership roles it always amazes me how many people miss the fundamental idea that leadership is about bringing people together. Not about being powerful. For we are not powerful as a unit of one, the power lies in the numbers. Hitler never would have been what he was if he could not rally the masses. Nor would Jesus have been. 

As we stop to reflect today on leaders of our country it may be wise to look more closely at what it means to be a leader. It might also behoove us to look at what it means to be a follower, as well.

In an article written by Hogan, Curphy, and Hogan leadership is about “… leadership involves persuading other people to set aside for a period of time their individual concerns and to pursue a common goal that is important for the responsibilities and welfare of a group”. (p. 3, 1994)….