I've been reading a great book recently by a chap called Bill Hybels that posed the question 'When is a leader at their best?'.   It is a good question and one that intrigues me.

Is it when the leader is performing the functions of leadership; when they are casting vision, building teams and planning? These must be essential because leaders need to have vision to know where they are going and also get others to follow.

Is it when the leader is demonstrating inner strength, character and integrity? These are also essential, because good leaders, I believe, must have some moral goodness as well as the ability perform the functions of leadership.

One example that comes in to my mind is Winston Churchill saying "We will fight them on the beaches."; a seminal moment in the leader's life when they say or demonstrate something that inspires other people and is not forgotten.

Bill Hybels' interesting conclusion is that a leader is at their best when they are raising up other leaders around them; and after some thinking, I tend to agree. Good leaders must be measured by what continues when they are not there as well as what they personally achieve. Leadership is about inspiring and training others so that they too can lead. This model of leadership means that the vision won't die; it may change and evolve, but it will always be carried by someone who believes in it.

Oh yes, I almost forgot, the book is called Courageous Leadership.