At the 2008 Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy last week, my father was asked by an attendee to describe five key traits a man must possess to be a leader. After a moment of thought, Dad communicated the following (paraphrase):
First, a leader must be willing and ready to die.
Second, a leader must find strength in the blessing God brings from humbling difficulties.
Third, once a leader has determined the leadership role to which God has called him, then he must be determined to play that role properly.
Fourth, a leader must ever be learning.
Fifth, great leaders are men who abound in gratitude.