Happy Friday: No matter where you are in life, whether you’re active in business, nonprofit, education, politics, volunteer organizations or more, I cannot think of someone who can’t benefit from this article. Please welcome Author, Journalist and Speaker Joan Ramirez to Help From My Friends Friday. ~ Donnell
RECOGNIZING YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL AND USING IT TO HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS
By: Joan Ramirez (copyright 2025)
Author Joan Ramirez
I don’t whether it was my British grandfather or Sir Winston Churchill, but with each passing year, I subscribe to the affirmation that he coined: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up!
Leadership isn’t so much about pedigree or elite education as it is about a CAN DO attitude that never stops doing.
What is a Leader?
While my audience is broad in scope, for the purposes of this blog article I will be referring to one leader, Sir Winston, who I included in my handbook, Go for It Leadership Handbook for All Students.
This wise statesman who led England to victory in WWII believed in open, honest, direct communications. Words should have meaning. During a horrible time in all countries, he spoke to the citizens of England, not at them. Leaders use words fortified by action. As with F.D. Roosevelt, who upon his inauguration in 1933, told the American public “…we have nothing to fear but fear itself…” Churchill maintained his calm, under the strain of war, while bolstering the people of England, keeping his emotions under control.
A leader must be a team player. Churchill never let a difficult situation affect his ability to work with others. As one of my students said to me, “There is no I in team.” Once a policy was set, he silenced his remarks. Leaders respect the opinions of others.
A leader maintains the confidentiality of all members of his or her team without retribution. Leaders don’t quote others. Leaders don’t cast blame. They take responsibility for their actions. Leaders accept responsibility for whatever they say on a professional level. When challenged, leaders rise to the occasion by substantiating what they’ve said. Leaders prepare for all contingencies by reviewing team correspondence and conversations.
While Churchill had to take extraordinary measures in a time of war, all leaders should lead with vision and gusto. Leaders empower others through collaboration.
Characteristics of a Leader
Confidence, integrity, work ethics, and humility
Leaders are open to suggestions, determined to preserve a business practice but eager to create something new, have the patience to grow an idea, unafraid to face and conquer adversity, think of themselves as successful, open to listening with both ears, determined to compete a goal, willing to explore the unknown, willing to change point of view, and ready for and accepting of change.
Leaders are proactive: They get involved and can take over in a crunch period. They don’t let other team members do all the work while they take the bulk of the credit. Most important of 
all: When working as a team or with a group, leaders will perceive a leadership vacancy and move to fill it. They don’t wait until there is a crisis.
Leaders give clear direction
Ensure all team/staff members know who is first, second, and third in the command chain. If something happened to you in your leadership role, you’d want to ensure that your successor, even if only for the day, is trustworthy and dependable to step in and take charge at a moment’s notice. Have a plan in place that defines the roles and responsibilities of each person in the company. Are they qualified for their jobs? Can they inspire others to rise to the occasion? Do they have a short fuse? Are they prone to anger outbursts? If they say something personally hurtful or unprofessional, are they willing to admit they are wrong? Do they give staff members a chance to contribute or explain their side of the story in a dispute/disagreement? Do they think of what’s good, in the long run, for the company?
Leaders use good judgment
If someone isn’t performing up to their potential, does the leader give them the support they need to fulfill the demands of their job. Effective leaders aren’t afraid to tell someone if their skill set isn’t a good fit for their job. If the person’s job background is better suited to another department, a leader has the courage of his or her convictions to transfer that person. If no other opening exists, a leader will do what can be done to place the person in another job along with a letter of introduction, as the situation warrants. ALWAYS be tactful. Word travels fast. As a leader you never want to suffer the consequences of negative press for being harsh about an employee/team member’s departure.
To Sum Up
Courage under pressure, dependability, enthusiasm, integrity, and loyalty will fly through an open window WITHOUT TACT. Take care in what you say and how you say it. Don’t let your ego, having attained a certain level in the company, override good judgment.
About the Author: Joan holds a Master of Science in Business, Medical, and Technical Journalism as well as two others in ESL and Education. She has published on a variety of topics from cochlear implants to the economy and has conducted workshops –domestic and foreign–on the nuances of business communications for managers and start-up companies. She is the leader of her own enterprise with training programs for entrepreneurs–all levels and recently published two books–Jamie is Autistic: Learning in a Special Way and Go for It Leadership Handbook for All Students.
Jamie is Austistic has been translated into Spanish so that more people can learn about Autism.
Joan can be reached at: joan@joansbookshelf.com or visit her website at joansbookshelf.com
Joan, what an informative article on what makes a good leader. Very well explained and written.