We have the opportunity to achieve significance, or greatness, in life when we are a good leader. 

What is a good leader? 

To my mind, a good leader is someone that 

• Has a grand vision or end-goal in mind 
• Has influence (his vision and attitude towards others shows that he cares for them) 

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care

John C. Maxwell

• Leads by example through his own life 
• Has a plan through which his vision will be accomplished 
• Empowers and inspires his team to help him accomplish his vision 
• Acknowledges that the entire team is required to make the vision a reality

We must strive to be a good leader in the areas we lead. God, and those that rely on us, expect it of us as leaders. 

Think big, start small, act now!

SANParks anti-poaching philosophy

How can I grow and be more successful as a leader? 

Firstly, by accepting that I will never be perfect. But that I have to constantly improve and grow as leader.

Character is the will to do what’s right, even when it’s hard

Andy Stanley

Secondly, that very few leaders have all the attributes of the ideal leader. For the majority of us, we will have to rely on the members of our team to fill in for us. I will have to delegate certain leadership responsibilities to those in the team that are better equipped in that particular area. But one responsibility I, as the leader, can never delegate, is to ensure that there is always leadership in my team. 

Improved leadership starts with yourself. Improve your relationship with God. Improve your relationship with your team members. Improve your perception of your circumstances. Make time for all the important things in your life. Discover why you exist. Be willing to learn. And that the best way to learn, is to teach what you have learnt to others.

Consider which areas of life you are appointed as a leader. And that includes being a parent. Then do your best. And never stop growing as a leader. Become significant. 

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader

Dolly Parton