Three Traits of a Leader
J. Richard Chase
If a leader demonstrates competency, genuine concern for others, and admirable character, people will say, "I like what that person is doing. I'm going to follow him."
J. Richard Chase
L
eadership begins with one person — the leader. A thousand people may be led or a dozen management skills exercised, but ultimately the leadership equation may be reduced to a lone person, one individual whom people follow.
What is a leader like? What qualities set this person apart?
These questions of character occupy the first two interviews. The first is with J. Richard Chase, since 1982 president of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.
Dick was formerly president of Biola University in La Mirada, California. During his twelve-year tenure, enrollment grew from 1,800 to 3,100 students, and graduate offerings were expanded greatly through Talbot Theological Seminary and Rosemead School of Psychology. Dick has served on numerous boards, including those of Mission Aviation Fellowship, the Christian College Coalition, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
David Hubbard, president of Fuller Theological Seminary, has described Dick as having "a blue-chip reputation. He is known as very solid, no-nonsense … cautious and prudent." It's appropriate that one who has developed such a reputation discuss three traits essential to a leader.
Some leaders are outgoing; some introverted. Some can talk their way out of any situation, while others perform their way out. So what traits of a great leader are nonnegotiable? What traits can a leader not afford to lose?
Since my educational background is primarily in classical rhetoric, I'll start with the old classical questions: What are the dimensions of a person who has the leadership ...
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