What makes a great leader? Inspired by my friend leading us to conquer a great mountain

I use this photo as cover because I was just back from Wu-Lin Peaks several weeks ago. A friend of mine (actually he is my senior, let us call him Mr. K in this article) led us to conquer 3 peaks over 3000m in height. Besides being thankful for his devotion, ideas occur to me that what makes a great leader. In fact, I could see several characteristics being recognized from him, so let’s see what are they.

1. Igniting your passion but also telling the truth

Some leaders could ignite your passion by telling you, “hey we are close to getting a new cooperation possibility with xxx, we need your talents and be well-prepared for that.” Then thing could go either way, the project never come, and keep you waiting all the time while wasting your waking hours everyday; or the project comes, the unexpected is anywhere, exhausting you and experience the change from feeling cool to fool.

Great example from Mr. K is, he told us to be well-prepared because when and where could be the difficulties, i.e. when we come across the boarder of a cliff resting, he was aware of the possible dangers, “it is not a matter of whether you can complete, or whether you are cool/brave enough to complete, if you got fear of heights or what, don’t try to follow us.” he said. And this is that danger all about.

2. Setup goal and plan a clear path with you collectively

It was great since Mr. K clearly stated that “we are going to enjoy, not striving for reaching EVERY hilltops to death”, “everyone’s durability is limited and different, so we should plan our itinerary collectively.” in the e-mail loop discussing about the journey. This made me feel I were even more motivated to involve myself into the discussion and exert more potential to meet the collective goal without being worried that my condition, ability, or mindset won’t be appreciated and respected.

3. Distribute the resource evenly as well as share the loading

Again, I am impressed by someone who can really manage great tons of things, but it couldn’t be the case when you need to carry over 20kg foods and drinks on your own trekking for distances. Mr. K let us share the necessities before setting out in case of getting lost and you still have your own foods to survive though he still challenged himself with carrying more packages. And it is indeed the behavior making me more willing to help share the burdens.

4. Be decisive and act immediately to inspire and involve everyone

Mr. K surely is an experienced hiker, knowing when and where to do this and that. All we know that cooking and cleaning after that are so tedious especially with our weary bodies after trekking all-day long. Is it the right time and place to cook? No one wants to make that decision first. Mr. K had been so decisive ever since the journey started, and tried to cook as fast as possible, making everyone involved even we were exhausted or what. He had been always measuring if additional water have to be brewed, and let us to think about it collectively.

A Leader, to some extent, is more far-sighted and knowledgeable. More great ideas would be generated if a single good idea pops up first.

5. Be aware of the little enough defects that could make huge progress if being corrected

Sometimes at work, you would only find yourself digging in about something and help never comes. Often, you don’t need a “BIG” help but a “little” hint of directions.

When I struggled with my shoulder being stressed badly, I was told to tighten up my waist belt of the mountain bag. Then everything went fine then and I enjoyed more on beauties of hills surrounded by clouds and sunshine, letting go of hurts caused by incorrectly carrying bag.

Little help matters even it’s not timely. Get rid of the mind that great effort has to be made to help someone progress.

[Bag being no longer heavy in front of the beauty of the earth.]

6. Show the vulnerability and weakness plainly

Mr. K actually kept bragging about how strong he was at his previous hikes. However, he felt that the tiredness was there at the very beginning of this journey. When we arrived the first resting spot, he frankly joked about his youth just disappeared.

Maybe I am too introverted or what, I always have a strange feeling that
the gap and distance are there between subordinates and leaders. Just feeling that it seems there are too much things can’t be talked, such as the problem of the leader himself. Thereby IMO, it can bring closeness among both if the problems are frankly told or frequently asked in-between. Helps can come from both sides.

BTW, Mr. K started to share the foods he carried then, asking everyone to lessen the burden from him.

I would like to say, that was really a great journey sparking the ideas of making more of it. And it is also a journey that generates the above ideas of some factors I consider to be vital for being a leader. But…most importantly, no matter my aspects are wrong or correct, I solely want to express my thankfulness to all of the partners during this journey!