A Leader is Compassion by Greg

A Leader is Compassion by Greg - December 2021 Scholarship Essay

To sum up, a leader in one trait is difficult to do. Leaders possess so many good traits that seem to be of equal value on some level of compatibility. There are, of course, some basic qualities that leaders display often. Attention to detail is one such trait. Leaders are attentive. They pay attention to the big picture and the minuscule details. I believe a leader can derive ideas that are outside the box because they pay so close attention to the world around them. This is a quality trait in anyone, including a leader. Yet, there are greater traits than this.

Leaders have courage as well. It takes courage to be a leader. Leaders are called to act with a certain level of confidence that is expressed as courage. When people are faced with a difficult challenge it is a leader who will step up to begin the physical process of solving it, even if the solution could result in physical harm. This courage can be infectious in an incredibly effective way. The motivation is perpetuated to others by the leader’s charm and charisma; two other traits of a leader. Charm and charisma give a leader an advantage when it comes to incentivizing others. Leaders understand how to associate and relate with those that they lead. This uncovers yet another quality trait of a leader – excellent and effective communication. This brings to mind intelligence. Leaders are intelligent people, who are courageous, motivational, and understand their followers. They have excellent communication skills and know what to say, and when and how to say it.

There are yet many more traits that qualify a leader as a special personality. The question posed, however, is that of one trait. “What trait do you think best describes a leader and why?” Compassion is the best and most complete trait to validate a leader. This can be found in some form or another in every other trait. Compassion requires mindfulness to the point of caring about the details of others’ feelings and life experiences. These can be complicated and involved which requires extra diligence.
Compassion takes courage to do things for others that they may not appreciate, even though it is a kind act, or to accept backlash for going against popular opinion when leading followers into an unpopular direction. Leaders are trailblazers. It takes immense caring about something to lead others to follow you when the popular opinion says otherwise. It takes genuine love and passion (passion is in the word compassion). We derive courage from the motivating feelings we get when we are moved by compassion. When one feels compassion for another the natural response is to work to elevate that person up to where we are and beyond. Compassion drives us to other emotions that lead to courage.

Charm and charisma are also rolled up in compassion. Compassionate people are easy-going. They are approachable and sociable. They listen to your thoughts, your words, and respond with love and intelligence. Love and intelligence. These are the greatest qualities of a leader. Compassion is love and intelligence combined. It means caring about others with the details in mind, and mindfully responding to others. Leaders lead by example because they care that someone has to do it and would rather it be them than someone else. Leaders are the definition of compassion.