What Great Leaders Are Like And How To Be One

Now and then, God calls a man to a task so big that few can equal the challenge. Above all else, these men are visionary. They see the world not so much as it is but how it could be. They leave a crater while at the same time making the world spin a little smoother. What makes these men tick? And, importantly, how can you be one too? Here’s an acrostic using the word “visionaries” to help you think through many of the most important attributes you will want to develop if you want to be not just a good leader but a great one.

Vision—More than anything else, great leaders are propelled by great dreams. The grip of destiny pulls them along. Invariably, the force of their personalities pull us along with them.

Innovation—Great leaders give the world “ideas” that change the existing order. They exude creativity and imagination. They embrace an uncertain future.

Sacrifice—Great leaders deny themselves for the greater good. They’re so committed to their cause that they are willing to risk rejection.

Integrity—At their core, great leaders have unwavering character. A handshake still means everything to them. This inspires confidence.

Optimism—Great leaders possess a passion that touches that noble impulse in each of us. They inspire us to want to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Never Give Up—Great leaders display unwavering belief in their mission. Against all odds, they show tenacity, perseverance, and faithfulness to their call. Their motivation rests on deeply held principles, not opinion polls.

Ability—Great leaders possess extraordinary and innate intelligence and abilities. They are men of skill—whether inventors, philosophers, theologians, scientists, artists, writers, poets, or preachers.

Relate to Others—Great leaders have empathy and love for people. Their people skills include compassion and listening. They relate to people from all walks of life.

Improbability—Great leaders never think they are. A profound humility marks them. The world would not pick them. And if in their lifetimes they become great, they are the last ones to know.

Excellence—Great leaders demand excellence from themselves, which spurs us to be like them. Their striving for excellence is often confused with perfectionism.

Servant of Others—Great leaders are first Godly men. Great Christian men do what they do to bring glory to God. They exist to worship their God by loving and serving others.

Motivated by his own search for meaning, purpose, and a deeper relationship with God, Patrick Marley started a weekly Bible study in a bar with a handful of guys in 1986—a study that now reaches thousands of men around the world every week. Inspired and challenged by those studies and conversations, he wrote The Man in the Mirror, named one of the 100 most influential books of the 20th century. The deep hunger he saw in men for a more authentic life led him to start Man in the Mirror—a global men’s ministry impacting thousands of churches and millions of men. Widely regarded as a leading authority on men’s issues, Patrick has written 22 books and more than 750 articles—all focused on helping men solve their most compelling problems. His books have been translated into numerous languages and printed in 48 countries. “The ministry of Man in the Mirror exists,” says Patrick Morley, “in answer to the prayers of all those wives, mothers, and grandmothers who have for decades been praying for the men in their lives.” Patrick graduated from the University of Central Florida, earned a PhD in management, completed postgraduate studies at Harvard Business School and Oxford University, and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary. He and his wife live in Winter Park, Florida. They have two married children and five grandchildren.

Photo by Ron Lach