Page 92 - Napoleon Hill Think and Grow Rich Full Book | Success Learned

It is no disgrace to be a follower. On the other hand, it is no credit to remain a fol-
lower. Most great leaders began in the capacity of followers. They became great
leaders because they were INTELLIGENT FOLLOWERS. With few exceptions,
the man who cannot follow a leader intelligently, cannot become an efficient
leader. The man who can follow a leader most efficiently, is usually the man who
develops into leadership most rapidly. An intelligent follower has many advan-
tages, among them the OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE FROM HIS
LEADER.

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NAPOLEON HILL THINK AND GROW RICH

THE MAJOR ATTRIBUTES OF LEADERSHIP

The following are important factors of leadership :-

1. UNWAVERING COURAGE based upon knowledge of self, and of one's occupa-
tion. No follower wishes to be dominated by a leader who lacks self-confidence and
courage. No intelligent follower will be dominated by such a leader very long.

2. SELF-CONTROL. The man who cannot control himself, can never control oth-
ers. Self-control sets a mighty example for one's followers, which the more intel-
ligent will emulate.

3. A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE. Without a sense of fairness and justice, no lead-
er can command and retain the respect of his followers.

4. DEFINITENESS OF DECISION. The man who wavers in his decisions, shows
that he is not sure of himself. He cannot lead others successfully.

5. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS. The successful leader must plan his work, and
work his plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite
plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later he will land on
the rocks.

6. THE HABIT OF DOING MORE THAN PAID FOR. One of the penalties of lead-
ership is the necessity of willingness, upon the part of the leader, to do more
than he requires of his followers.

7. A PLEASING PERSONALITY. No slovenly, careless person can become a suc-
cessful leader. Leadership calls for respect. Followers will not respect a leader
who does not grade high on all of the factors of a Pleasing Personality.

8. SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING. The successful leader must be in sym-