[September 10, 2025] In a previous post, I listed the characteristics people like in a leader. What attracts people to a leader is, of course, no secret, but what is it that attracts leaders to other leaders? What leaders like in leaders, on the other hand, can be mysterious because so little is written about it.
“Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.” – General George S. Patton
I’ve been fortunate in my career to meet many of the most senior military and civilian leaders in America and in several nations from Central and South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. What I can say is that there is little disagreement in what we like about other leaders. It may come as a surprise, but leaders are always testing the ability of other leaders to do their job. It’s not about competition but about competence, and we seek to know who is the most competent.
Those characteristics in a leader that other leaders like are as follows:
- The leader possesses a high degree of moral courage that has been both tested and is plain for everyone to see. Courage is developed through adversity and survival by application of societal values. Such are positive consequences that other leaders admire.
- The leader is willing to do everything he asks of others. Too many leaders give orders and set standards they themselves are unwilling or unable to meet; these are fake leaders. When a leader sets in motion a mission, he must also have the grit and determination to do everything he demands of those who follow. In this, he is not above the rules, regulations, or the law.
- The leader believes in humankind’s unconquerable soul and is willing to go to great lengths to defend the weak, infirm, and downtrodden against the evils of those who would harm them. This also means that the leader is supportive of other leaders and those who follow.
- The leader willingly assumes responsibility for every action and event that is thrust upon him. This requires confidence in that leader’s proven skills and the knowledge that, with the proper training, mentoring, and guidance of people, any job can be accomplished.
- This leader is a winner in every sense of the word. This trait, as was pointed out in the previous post (see link here), means playing by the rules and winning the game. The leader recognizes there may be minor losses here and there but that to win on the most important issues is the epitome of a great leader.
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” – Winston Churchill
These characteristics are developed through the cauldron of many hardships, failures, and tribulations. From this comes a ferocity and focus that would damage the spirit of the average person. Rarely does a leader reach this pinnacle of leadership from ordinary affairs and is thus much admired by other leaders. Those who do are recognizable instantly as those who can lead even the most difficult of circumstances.
What leaders like in leaders is a person who has the grit to win, the courage to face down injustice, the knowledge of their own character, and the belief in the invincible goodness of people.
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Thank you for this thoughtful and penetrating article. I especially appreciated how you went beyond the typical list of ‘qualities followers like in leaders’ and looked at what leaders themselves admire in other leaders, such as moral courage, personal responsibility, and the readiness to do whatever one asks of others. Your insight that true leadership is proven in the crucible of adversity rather than only in calm waters really resonated. Well done on a succinct, powerful piece that challenges and inspires.
EXCELLENT
We want good Christian leaders like Charlie Kirk.
“Assumes responsibility,” which doesn’t sound like a typical socialist /democrat who always blames someone else for their personal failures. I hope to read Kamala Harris’ book 107 Days where she blames everyone for her failed presidential campaign. Of course, it wasn’t her who failed. Maybe she’s just too dumb and entitled.
“Moral courage,” and like Gen. Satterfield is fond of saying, this is the most of difficult characteristics to hold and maintain. Most of the world’s problems remain unsolved because our leaders lack the moral courage to act properly and legit decisions. This is why leaders want to see “moral courage” in other leaders. It’s proof they can be counted on when the going gets tough. Oh, and I will also be 🙏 praying for Charlie Kirk and his family and large circle of friends. I wish I had had the chance to know him.
Gen. Satterfield has a long series on moral courage.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/?s=Moral+courage
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I’m saddened to hear that Charlie Kirk was assassinated yesterday in Utah. Please read this article by Gen. Satterfield from 4 years ago about Charlie. “Political Leadership: Charlie Kirk” https://www.theleadermaker.com/political-leadership-charlie-kirk/
🙏 Praying for his family. 🙏
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Pastor John. Thank you and yes, we should all be Charlie Kirk because this was an attack on good Christian Americans. 🇺🇸
So very sad. America and the world lost a great, young man to Democrat-inspired violence.
A senseless death brought on by the political death cult known as the Democrat Party. Who is even in charge? Nobody!!! That’s part of their problem. It seems that the party is made up only of fat, ugly, liberal white women and pansy, beta “men,” and they are all unable to control their emotions. Imagine a world run by these insane dictator wannabes. Wow. This is the Left in a nutshell. EVIL.
God bless, Charlie Kirk.
Sir, great article. I also look forward to what you have to say tomorrow on the 24 anniversary of the 9-11 attacks by Islamic radicals. Which seem to be growing in number, BTW.
This one is always frustrating “The leader is willing to do everything he asks of others.” Of course they won’t. Like in my job working the electric distribution lines, none of our bosses would dare climb a pole.
I want to hone in on:
” #4 The leader willingly assumes responsibility for every action and event that is thrust upon him. This requires confidence in that leader’s proven skills and the knowledge that, with the proper training, mentoring, and guidance of people, any job can be accomplished.” – Gen. Doug Satterfield
I find this less and less likely, especially in Democrat/Socialist/Liberal circles. They are not likely to assume responsibility for their failures or learn from them. We keep hearing about socialism not really having been tried, meaning they haven’t been put in charge. What a crock. Socialism eventually kills the majority of the population and the rest live in both poverty and in a authoritarian state. The kids in college have yet to figure that out. I hope they never see real socialism because they might just want to be in charge. Proving my point.
Willie, nothing like a killer argument. Democrats are the big ones who deny responsibility. Their political platform only says “Stand against anything that Trump is for.” That’s it. Maybe they could come up with something other than kowtowing to Muslims and Murderers.
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Enjoyed your comment. And Gen. Satterfield’s warning.
There are “some groups” in America that don’t believe this. “The price of greatness is responsibility.” – Winston Churchill . They think greatness should automatically be given. We call that “privilege.”
So, that’s it! Hmmmm, good points here.
Great website. I just came on and discovered this leadership site and with many who make truly useful comments. I hope to be able to do the same. Today, it’s raining and so I have extra time to read and learn and think a little.
Well, you are welcome into the forum any time. I might recommend both of Gen. Doug Satterfield’s books to you. And my fav of them all is ‘55 rules for a good life’ and one you will enjoy and not spend much on it either.