Over the past 15-20 years I have often thought about leaders and the role they play in organizations. There have been untold quotes and any number of books written on the subject over the centuries, but they all seem to come to similar conclusions.

The universal facts seem to be the leader sets the tone, values, ethics, direction, and goals for the organization they are in charge of.

I certainly am no scholar but I have observed many leaders in action: Coaches, teachers, civic organizers, politicians at all levels, business persons, and people I have personally worked for and with. In all cases I have found the above to be true.

But there is one more trait that is important in how an organization functions and gets results. The leader has to be able to convince people to share their vision, follow their directives, and help actualize their goals.

Of course, the best way to get the required results is to for the leader to convince people to buy into their vision and goals. In my experience this approach is the most successful.

Unfortunately, some leaders use denigration, intimidation, and or use of force. In the long run the last three usually prove to be the least successful.

Ken Kaiyala
9-15-2025