In recognition of our beloved Vice President, Chris Waldrum’s birthday this month – we thought it would be best to not take a look at the man – but at leaders in general. What makes a GOOD leader? What attributes do they have? And… can you gain these attributes or are you born with them? Let’s get into this…
What makes a true leader?
Well, first of all – leadership isn’t about titles, money or clout – it’s about stepping up when others often take a step back.
Real leaders don’t beg people to follow them – they inspire them…
And while the world loves to romanticize the idea of “natural-born leaders” – the truth is, for the most part – leadership is forged through action, self-control and grit.
It’s not easy – but if you’re willing to take a hard look at yourself, embrace discomfort and lead from the front of the line instead of calling out orders from the back – you’ve got what it takes.
But there are three aspects that go into what makes a good leader…
So, while reading them over – ask yourselves how many good leaders in your life have had these aspects – and more importantly: how many of them do YOU have?
1. Control Yourself Before You Control Others
A leader who can’t master their emotions, impulses or fears is worse than a ship without a captain, it’s a ship without rudder – lost and dangerous to follow.
The Stoics called this self-control.
It’s not about suppressing who you are – it’s about directing your energy toward something bigger than your ego.
A good leader doesn’t fly off the handle or crumble under pressure – they stay calm in the chaos and find solutions when everyone else sees problems.
Emotions get you nowhere when it comes to making decisions…
Well, that’s not exactly true, is it? Emotional states lead to emotional decisions – when it’s data and evidence we should be using to figure out solutions.
If you can’t control yourself – how can anyone trust you to guide them?
While Chris shows cracks of emotion (he’s not a robot) when it’s time to make the correct solution on an innovative new formula or cool marketing campaign – he lets the data do the decision making for him…
Well, that also a little input from the people he trusts to tell him the truth. Because listening is just as important as speaking.
Which segues us nicely to the next attribute…
2. Speak Less, Do More
You know those people who love to talk and talk about all the amazing things they’re going to do? Yeah – nobody cares or really even respects that.
A real leader lets their actions do the talking. They’re in the trenches, showing – not telling – others how it’s done.
Whether it’s in the gym, at work or in life – people will follow someone who proves their worth through action. You don’t have to be loud to be heard. Get your hands dirty and earn respect and your leadership role.
I’ve watched Chris – who is an incredible designer – sit with a new designer for hours going over what he does to make the perfect label or shirt design.
He doesn’t tell them what to do – he shows them…
And if they don’t get it – he’s patient. He’ll continue to do the work until the designer understands the vision and what needs to be done. He doesn’t just brush his hands off and say, “figure it out”.
He leads through example – and that’s hard to find these days.
Which brings us to our last leadership attribute…
3. Lead with Purpose, Not Power
Power-hungry leaders are a dime a dozen – but the ones who actually inspire? They’re the ones that last because they’re driven by purpose – not control.
A good leader knows their mission and rallies people around it. They empower others instead of tearing them down.
Leading isn’t about being the boss – it’s about helping others become their best selves while staying true to your values.
When people know you stand for something bigger than yourself – they’ll trust you with their loyalty.
I’ve got to say – this is one of those attributes that Chris really excels at…
Never in my life have I been as excited about certain projects because he sells it as something that we can be proud of as a team.
During those moments – Chris doesn’t feel like a leader at all – he just feels like another team member trying to do his best to make the project successful. There’s not a task he wouldn’t ask you to do that he wouldn’t do himself.
And that’s rare in this world.
So…
What Makes A Good Leader?
Good leadership isn’t flashy – and it sure as hell isn’t easy.
It’s about self-discipline, action and purpose.
It’s about knowing when to be hard, when to be humble. When to be a cheerleader and when to be the hammer. You have to know when to lead from the front, and when to take a backseat.
You have to have the ability to do all these things – and more.
Over my years in business – I’ve worked for many people. Some were good leaders – others were terrible…
But it’s the ones that get you to buy into their vision – not through empty promises or hollow threats – but through optimism, charm and knowledge.
A good leader is like a good sherpa – he’ll lead you to the mountain top if you follow their footsteps. You just need to put one foot in front of the other and trust that the guy in front of you knows where he’s going.
While I’ve been a leader in the past – I’m at a point in my life where I don’t want to lead. I want to be that lone operator out in the bush and let command direct me where to go…
Chris understands that too – which is why I’m so stoked to have him as my sherpa up the Nutrex mountain.
We’ve got big things in the works – and it’s all a part of his vision…
I’m glad you’re here for the ride.
“The biggest compliment is neutralized by criticism.” – Chris Waldrum
Editor’s Note: Chris has been an invaluable asset to Nutrex since day ONE. His influence has been incredible – nowhere has this impact been felt more than with the reformulation of OUTLIFT CLINICAL. He helped create what we feel is the PERFECT pre – with ingredients that work in synergy with each other to create the best workout experience you’ve ever had. Give it a try! Grab some OUTLIFT CLINICAL today… or you can wait till this coming Thursday (12.19) for something REALLY awesome. The choice is yours!
