As I’ve been read John McCain’s political autobiography, Worth the Fighting For: The Education of an American Maverick, and the Heroes Who Inspired Him, (in anticipation of next week’s convention) and pondering a post on Bill Clinton’s legacy to his party (in anticipation of tonight’s speech), I had some thoughts on leadership.

Me being me, I initially hesitated to write about them because I’d rather my posts be more “essayistic.”  But, I perhaps should show greater appreciation for this medium which has given me a forum for my views for the past (nigh on) four years.

In a blog, I don’t need to write a well-organized essay, just kind of throw out my ideas.

So, here they are:

• A true leader inspires by example.
• A leader convinces others to go some place where they need (should?) go, not where there want to go.  The crowd does not sway him, but he sways the crowd, yet he must know how to appeal to them should he wish to change their minds.
• A leader is undaunted by opposition and holds true (stands fast) in the face of it, shifting course only when necessary to accomplish a broader goal, but never losing sight of his core principles.

I dare say there’s more to leadership than just those four qualities, but these notions came to mind as I as reading that book and pondering the Clinton post.