In
order to get his job
done, an executive must be someone from whom
others are willing to take orders.
The
first test any
follower of a leader requires the leader to meet is
competence. Does the leader know what he is doing? This is already
covered in the definitions of an executive. For if an executive meets
these definitions, those to whom he must give orders are very likely to
receive them in confidence.
There
is a great deal of
mystique (qualifications or skills that set a
person or thing apart and beyond the understanding of an outsider)
connected with leadership. Most of this mystique is nonsense; however,
it is necessary that one who leads can attract attention and that he
can enthuse and interest others. Simply knowing more about the subject
than others or knowing more about organization than others can cause an
executive to be regarded respectfully or even with awe.
A
common denominator to
all good executives is the ability to
communicate, to have affinity for their area and their people and to be
able to achieve a reality on existing circumstances. All this adds up
to understanding. An executive who lacks these qualities or abilities
is not likely to be very successful.
Understanding,
added to
competence, is probably the most ideal
character of an executive.
The
ability to lead can
also be compounded of forcefulness and
demandingness, and these two qualities are often seen to stand alone in
leadership without regard to competence and, though acceptable to
juniors to the degree that they are often part of a successful
executive's personality, they are not a substitute for other qualities
and will not see him through. He must truly understand what he is doing
and demonstrate competence on a long-term basis in order to achieve
distinction and respect.
In
all great leaders
there is a purpose and intensity which is
unmistakable. Plus there is a certain amount of courage required in a
leader.
A
man who merely wants
to be liked will never be a leader. Others
follow those who have courage to get things done even when though they
say they follow those they like. A broad examination of history shows
clearly that men follow those they respect. Respect is a recognition of
inspiration, purpose and competence.
The
qualities of
leadership are not difficult to attain, provided they
are understood.
L.
Ron Hubbard
29
October 1971 
