The world will always be in need of leaders. As one generation passes away the torch of guidance must fall to someone—the responsibility cannot be left on the ground. But what does it take to make a great leader? Are they born or bred from the circumstances they face? I imagine it’s probably a little bit of both. I’ve have many opportunities to lead in my life and I’ve also had the pleasure of working beneath effective, amazing leaders. Over the next few weeks I want to focus on some of the key characteristics those great leaders had, in hopes that the rising youth will try and incorporate them into their own lives.

At the top of my list is humility. Some of you might find that trait an odd one to put first, but I truly believe it is the most important. A leader who believes they know it all is unteachable, and even worse, often unchangeable. When working with people it is a fundamental truth that no two people are the same. A leader who is humble honestly assess themselves and those around him, trying to find the best means to draw out everyone’s strengths. A humble leader wants success for their entire team, not just themselves. This kind of attitude always generates positive emotions in others. And nothing motivates people more that feelings of positivity.