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Is it true that, above all, a leader has to stand his ground?

Home » Leadership » Leadership - The Misconceptions of Leading People » Is it true that, above all, a leader has to stand his ground?

Prime Minister Winston Churchill inspired the world with his refusal to back down to the German assault on Britain during World War Two. He led with great determination�one of the traits of a great leader. Determination, however, is only a few short steps away from stubbornness and obstinacy. A great leader must have determination but must also know when to back down.

John Kennedy, in a speech prepared for the day he was assassinated, said, �Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.� Leadership does not coincide with infallibility. Instead, a leader should be humble enough to admit when he makes a mistake. Humble enough to seek help when he needs it. Humble enough to keep learning and becoming a better leader.

Many leaders develop a �Because I said so� approach to leadership. Blinded by pride, this leader ignores, at his own peril, all opinions but his own. A wise leader, on the other hand, thirsts after the wisdom of those around him�even those he is leading. Kenneth Blanchard said, �The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.� Authoritarianism eventually cuts off its own circulation.

A good leader not only avoids stubbornness, however, he also willingly steps aside at times. When the goal is to influence, great leaders will sacrifice their own agenda or goals in view of the ultimate goal. What they do is not about them, but about the goal.

Many times, a leader needs to stand his ground amidst huge obstacles. Many times, he needs to show perseverance when everyone around him shouts, �Give up!� But other times, he needs to ask for help and serve others rather than exalt himself.

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