When I asked the callers on the JAM what made a great leader, a fellow moderator, Melody exclaimed “VISION, a leader has to have a vision.” Wow, she’s so right, I thought! For if a leader doesn't have a vision, where is anyone going? And how can anyone decide whether to follow or not?

While deciding who to vote for during this critical election for the 47th President of the United States of America, I thought long and hard on this question. I listened to all the critiques about Joe Biden, and the presiding view: he won't make it through another term. I heard critiques of the BLUE team's Kamala Harris, while her laughter rang through the airways of each interview- as if becoming the first BLACK FEMALE President would be a piece of cake. And then, there was the Don, while still complaining about a stolen election, and facing serious charges, he made a boat-load of promises.

In answering this question, I have 2 primary sources: The Holy Bible and reknown author, speaker, leadership expert John Maxwell. I looked at Jesus' journey on Earth as he modeled how to lead, amongst other things. I studied John Maxwell's teachings as he revealed the best leadership strategies.

So, what makes a leader great? Let's dive into these 2 perspectives. First, in the Bible, Jesus was very clear about his vision and his purpose. He proclaimed who he was, why he was on Earth, what he was doing and then he did it. Even when he strayed from his concerned parents at a young age, he told them- I'm not lost, I'm about my Father's business. He chose 12 men to follow him. And although he knew everything that would happen during his time with his 12 disciples, during his time with the people, during his time with the Pharisees and the Sadducees; he did not tell everything to everyone all the time. He knew just how much to disclose at any given moment. Sometimes, we want to know everything, but we're really not ready for it. A good leader knows this, and can share just enough needed information without interrupting our sense of security.

The most noticeable qualities in the leadership of Christ are his love, humility and courage. While on Earth, he served in such a selfless manner with integrity and consistency, and still does. It's the opposite of what one would think without careful thought.

By that I mean, a primitive raw glance at leadership might lead one to think, the best leader is the loudest, bossiest, strongest person in the room. You know, the one who tells everyone else what to do. However, that person is not always the greatest leader. If it were these superficial things that made one a great leader, we'd have many to spare. How many times have you been in a group, dealing with a situation and nobody steps up to the plate to lead? It takes a certain kind of person, and it is not always an easy feat. Leadership comes with a price and with much responsibility. That said, some folks are dealing with all they can bear, as it is. Jesus is the best example I know of leadership.

Secondly, let's take a look at what John Maxwell says about great leadership. One of my takeaways from reading his books, is that there is a distinction made between why you follow someone. For example, at work, you MUST follow your immediate boss, or else! Not following could lead to you being written up, and/or you losing your job for insubordination.

When you follow a leader because someone has authority over you, it's only positional. This is the weakest type of followship. There's no fellowship. Thus, Maxwell teaches leaders how to connect with others so that they choose to follow. He promotes the idea of socializing with others and building on commonalities to create a professional bond of mutual respect. This bond would become the basis for your work relationship. In other words, even at work, you'd rather others choose to follow you than to do so because of your position. I think both perspectives would agree with the qualities below.

(Substack diagrams by Kieara).

I'd love to know if readers agree, disagree, or would delete or add any qualities. What actually makes you follow someone?

Finally, Donald Trump won as the 47th President of the United of States of America. What a ride it has been! IMO, 2025 has been one of the most eventful years to-date. We're only in the first 90 days and soo much has happened (good, bad and indifferent): mysterious celebrity deaths, startling suicides, excessive plane incidents, continued drone sightings, resignations, corruption disclosures and so much more. I must say, the Trumps seem more unified and purpose-driven this time around. The boat-load of promises are sailing to shore. I'm looking forward to the TI ship sailing in! I do still dare to believe- IT'S OUR WINNING SEASON! Preserve and Protect You, and PRAY for US ALL!! #targetedindividual #gogisjam