“An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.”
—Old Arab Proverb
What are the actions and attributes of a leader? What is it that makes him different from others?
- A leader is always full of praise.
- A leader learns to use the phrases “thank you” and “please” on his way to the top.
- A leader is always growing.
- A leader is possessed with his dreams.
- A leader launches forth before success is certain.
- A leader is not afraid of confrontation.
- A leader talks about his own mistakes before talking about someone else’s.
- A leader is a person of honesty and integrity.
- A leader has a good name.
- A leader makes others better.
- A leader is quick to praise and encourage the smallest amount of improvement.
- A leader is genuinely interested in others.
- A leader looks for opportunities to find someone doing something right.
- A leader takes others up with him.
- A leader responds to his own failures and acknowledges them before others have to discover and reveal them.
- A leader never allows murmuring—from himself or others.
- A leader is specific in what he expects.
- A leader holds accountable those who work with him.
- A leader does what is right rather than what is popular.
- A leader is a servant.
A leader is a lion, not a sheep.
by John Mason.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.