Thoughts to Build On

or without a college education, can long be a leader unless
he instinctively walks toward danger and naturally stands
between his associates, his employees, or his followers-and
danger.
The qualities of leadership are clearly shown
in animal life. At the first sign of danger, the leader of the
herd steps out of the crowd, stands apart from the others-
and walks toward the danger. Always! Or he will not con-
tinue to be the leader.
That same thing is true in business, in politics,
in civic affairs. A leader must do more than give directions
and issue orders. He must protect those whom he leads. In
times of danger, he must step out from the crowd. He must
meet the challenge head-on-personally. He must walk to-
ward danger. He must place himseH between the danger
and his followers. The first time he hesitates, the first time
he falters-he will no longer be the leader. His followers
will turn aside and follow another leader.
So you see, the risks of leadership are very
great. Being a leader is no job for the timid. It requires
more than brains and personality. Leadership requires
courage-a special kind of instinctive courage. Leadership
requires the kind of courage which is automatic. You do
not ponder the pros and cons. You do not evaluate the risk.
You do not count the personal cost. You instinctively step
out from the crowd; you put yourseH between the danger
and those you lead. And...
WALK TOWARD DANGER!