The five virtues of a leader

Many times I have written about the virtues we adults should be teaching our children to help them become mature and happy adults. But what about the virtues that we as adults should strive to attain. What makes one person stand out above the crowd and earn our respect? What is a virtue?

A virtue is an abstract quality hard to pin down but a quality which is easily recognized when we are in the presence of it. Virtue is often defined as a person’s moral strength and his conformance to a standard of right. Let’s discuss five virtues that shape the qualities that a great leader should possess. In this instance, let’s use “leader” to mean any person who sets an example or influences others whether it be on a national, local, or simply in one’s immediate family.

The first virtue, dignity, possesses connotations unlike many other words. It brings to mind a quality that no matter what the situation is or how hectic it becomes, somehow the leader involved maintains a reserve and a seriousness. His language never reverts to vulgarity. Unless he is forced to defend himself from physical violence, he never strikes out at anyone, but maintains his “cool.” He stands tall and firm as though in control while everyone is thrashing about.

When a course of action has been decided, the leader with confidence carries it out regardless of the popularity it may cost him. The virtue of confidence instills in the leader a feeling of consciousness of his powers or of reliance on his circumstances. This person will act with faith and or belief in a right, proper, or effective way.

Where does one find the next virtue called courage? The ancients looked for it in the heart. It requires little mental ability but it takes a lot of heart to be courageous. We all possess courage in varying degrees. But the leader exerts greater mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, and difficulty. Regardless of the danger involved, while maintaining his dignity coupled with confidence, he ventures forth with stout courage to persuade us to his side.

Of all the virtues, the one that unites one human being to another is compassion. Notice the word “passion” in compassion, then add “com” to it which means “with”, “together” and “jointly.” A leader imbued with compassion has a sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress with desire to alleviate it. In simple language, a leader with compassion feels for his fellow human beings and reaches out to assist in any way possible. Compassion is one of the noblest virtues one could possess.

A leader with a strong faith in a Supreme Being is a leader who is humble before a higher power. This person reaches not only into his heart and the heart of his fellow men, but reaches out to a greater force- a God- seeking guidance to think, feel, and act properly. With faith he finds fidelity in keeping his promises. Faith reinforces his sincerity of purpose.

Throughout their life, leaders strive to balance academic and practical learning with character development. How we evaluate them is the only true assessment of how well they practice the five virtues. Like any great art and skill, a person who strives to cultivate the five virtues-dignity, confidence, courage, compassion, and faith- must spend a lifetime perfecting them. As Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” If not to strive towards perfection what other reason did God place mind and heart in us? A leader is not born, but made!