Are You a Leader or a Follower?

Most people can be categorized as either leaders or followers. Leaders are often described as dreamers, self-starters, creators and motivators. All  leaders embody these qualities to some degree; a rare few reflect these qualities in every aspect of their lives. It’s those rare few who are the most successful in their professions or areas of expertise. Part of our responsibility as martial arts instructors is to develop leadership qualities in our students. You do not have to be the coach of a team or the teacher in a class to be considered a leader. You can be a team mate, a student, a daughter, or a son and also be a leader. What’s most important is that leaders know how to act appropriately in all situations and how to treat others correctly. Having good manners is an essential aspect of being a “great” leader and a great martial arts student.

Do you demonstrate leader qualities?

Here are a few common manners that leaders display at all times:

• Leaders always reply to adults with a polite “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am”

• Leaders make eye contact when they are speaking to others and when other speak to them

• Leaders respond to questions with complete answers and not a simple shrug

or acknowledgement

• Leaders know how to win and lose with sportsmanship

• Leaders respect others’ opinions, even when those opinions are different from their own

• Leaders perform random acts of kindness, even when it is not expected or required

• Leaders don’t cheat, lie, or steal

• Leaders are responsible

• Leaders are accountable for their own actions

• Leaders know that being organized takes effort

• Leaders ask for help when they need it

• Leaders offer help to others who need it

• Leaders say “Thank you”, “Good morning”, “Hello” and “You’re welcome”

• Leaders always look for ways to improve their skills and abilities

Leaders read articles like these and apply what they’ve learned

  Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower? It is not difficult to be a leader, if you try. You’re a leader when you use the manners listed above at home, at school or work, in the public and with families and friends. You can be the one to inspire others. You can be the one who sets the right standards. You can be the role model for others to emulate. This is the

essence of being a leader as well as being a martial artist.