Week 2 Discussion - Good Leaders versus Bad Leaders

I think that good and bad (evil) leaders are the same in that they have the same reasons for being leaders. They have an objective to fulfill. They have ideas in which will get them there. Others that believe in their ideals will follow. Whether for a good or bad cause, leaders lead and have a similar motivation- To carry out a task. How can one judge whether another is a good or an evil leader. Most would be under the assumption that our US presidents are good leaders and people like Bin Laddin are evil leaders. I tend to agree with that assumption, but when Bin Laddins followers are asked that very same question, the outcome will differ. It is all relative and it depends what perspective you are asking from.

How do "we" choose leaders? Do "we" even get to choose them? Sometimes our leaders are chosen for us and we don't even realize it. Example one, our president. Yes, we vote, but its majority rules. Example two, our managers. At work our leadership is in usually already in place. Even if that specific leader leaves, it is up to another upper leader to choose a new leader. Example three, our teachers. They are pre-determind. Example four, Religion. In most cases we are raised to have the beleifs of our family. We do gain the right to choose later on in life, but do we really? Will we fear being viewed in a negative way if we leave common belief?
In hindsight, the only leaders we really are choosing are that of a "social" leader if you will. Who will be the leader amongst friends? That, we choose.

Its extremely interesting just how infrequently we choose who we will follow. It has really made me think and reflect on where I stand as a leader and as a follower. As I reflect on myself in the leadership role (trainer) , I hope to gain followers though choice not through chance. I hope to gain buy in from my participants and fellow co-workers not because they have to but because they choose to. I will reflect on how I can help achieve this. More to come after I reflect.