The word “teacher” describes far more than a job. A teacher passes on knowledge, shapes character, and helps young people learn how to think, how to ask questions and how to understand the world. This article examines the teacher’s role from an Islamic perspective and in modern society.

It begins with the Qur’an, which presents Allah as the One who “taught by the pen” and describes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a Messenger sent to teach and purify, and with authentic hadith in which the Prophet described himself as sent “as a teacher, making things easy”. It then surveys the tradition of respect for teachers among Muslim scholars, such as Imam Abu Hanifah and Imam al-Ghazali, and in the wider Muslim intellectual heritage, including Allama Iqbal’s tribute to his teacher. Finally, it describes the teacher’s moral, social and academic roles: building character, nurturing responsible citizens, protecting a community’s values and culture, and developing critical thinking and research skills. The article concludes that honouring and strengthening teachers is one of the surest ways to build a just and capable society.

Keywords: Role of the Teacher, Teaching in Islam, The Prophet as Teacher, Respect for Teachers, Character Building, Education and Society, Critical Thinking

Introduction: Who Is a Teacher?

In Urdu, the word ustad carries a sense of honour that goes beyond profession. It refers not only to a schoolteacher, but to anyone who teaches a skill, a craft, an art or the lessons of life. A master craftsman who trains an apprentice, a scholar who teaches in a mosque, a professor in a university and a mother who teaches her child to pray are all, in this broad sense, teachers.

A good teacher does more than read from a textbook. He teaches students how to think, how to ask good questions and how to make sense of the world around them. Many people can recall a moment when a single sentence from a teacher, such as “You can do this”, changed the direction of their lives. That is the quiet power of teaching.

This article explores the place of the teacher in Islam and the many ways in which teachers shape individuals and whole societies.

Teaching in the Qur’an and Sunnah

Allah, the first Teacher

The Qur’an repeatedly describes Allah as the One who teaches. In the very first revelation: “Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know” (Al-‘Alaq 96:3-5). And in Surah Al-Rahman: “The Most Merciful taught the Qur’an, created man, and taught him clear expression” (Al-Rahman 55:1-4). Teaching, in other words, is an act that reflects Allah’s own mercy and generosity.

The Prophet, sent as a teacher

Allah describes the mission of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as reciting the verses, purifying people and “teaching them the Book and wisdom” (Al-Baqarah 2:151; Al-Jumu’ah 62:2). The Prophet himself said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمْ يَبْعَثْنِي مُعَنِّتًا وَلَا مُتَعَنِّتًا، وَلَكِنْ بَعَثَنِي مُعَلِّمًا مُيَسِّرًا (صحیح مسلم: 1478)

Translation: “Allah did not send me to be harsh or to make things difficult, but He sent me as a teacher who makes things easy.”

The Prophetic method of teaching

The Companion Mu’awiyah bin al-Hakam once made a mistake in prayer out of ignorance. People glared at him, but after the prayer the Prophet spoke to him gently and explained the correct way. Mu’awiyah later said: “I have never seen a teacher, before him or after him, better in teaching than him. By Allah, he did not scold me, strike me or insult me” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 537).

From the Sunnah, scholars draw many principles of good teaching: gentleness and patience; speaking clearly and repeating important points; using questions to draw attention; using examples and drawing on the ground; teaching according to the learner’s level; and praising students when they answer well.

The reward of teaching

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah, His angels, and the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the ant in its hole and the fish in the sea, send blessings upon the one who teaches people good” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2685). He also said: “The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5027). Beneficial knowledge is one of the three deeds whose reward continues after death (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1631), which means every teacher can build a legacy that lasts beyond his lifetime.

Respect for Teachers in the Islamic Tradition

The manners of a student: Musa and al-Khidr

The Qur’an records how Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), himself a great prophet, approached al-Khidr to learn from him: “May I follow you so that you teach me some of the right guidance you have been taught?” (Al-Kahf 18:66). Commentators note the humility in his words: he asked permission, called himself a follower, and acknowledged that his teacher had knowledge he lacked. If a prophet showed such manners toward a teacher, others should show even more.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “He is not one of us who does not respect our elders, show mercy to our young, and recognise the right of our scholar” (Musnad Ahmad, narration of ‘Ubadah bin al-Samit).

Examples from the scholars

• Imam Abu Hanifah studied for many years under Hammad bin Abi Sulayman. His biographers report that out of respect he never stretched his legs in the direction of his teacher’s house, and that he prayed for Hammad together with his own parents after every prayer.
• Imam al-Ghazali devoted a large part of the Book of Knowledge in Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din to the manners of teachers and students. He taught that the teacher should be compassionate toward students as toward his own children, should follow the example of the Prophet, and should teach for the sake of Allah. For him, the ultimate purpose of knowledge is nearness to Allah, not only worldly progress.
• Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi is remembered for teaching humility, sincerity and love of the Divine, and his own life was transformed by his spiritual companion Shams of Tabriz, an example of how one teacher can change a person completely.
• Allama Muhammad Iqbal wrote a moving poem of farewell, Nala-e-Firaq, when his teacher Sir Thomas Arnold left Lahore, acknowledging how deeply Arnold had shaped his intellectual development.

A popular saying

A saying often attributed to ‘Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) runs: “Whoever teaches me a single letter, I become his servant.” Scholars point out that this wording is not established with a reliable chain of narration, but its meaning, deep gratitude toward those who teach us, is fully in line with Islamic manners.

The Teacher as a Builder of Character

In Islamic thought, the teacher is often described as a spiritual parent. Parents give a child physical life; a good teacher helps shape the child’s mind, morals and soul. Many students say that a particular teacher was like a father or mother to them, because that teacher guided them at a turning point in life.

Teaching by example

The most powerful lessons a teacher gives are often unspoken. Students notice whether a teacher arrives on time, keeps promises, treats every student fairly, admits mistakes and controls anger. ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) described the character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in a single sentence: “His character was the Qur’an” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 746). He taught first through what he was, and then through what he said. A teacher who lives what he teaches gives students a living model to follow.

Values a good teacher builds

• Honesty and integrity, in speech, in exams and in daily dealings.
• Hard work and discipline, including punctuality and responsibility.
• Respect and good manners, including how to disagree with elders politely and humbly.
• Patience and tolerance, especially toward people who are different.
• Justice and cooperation, so that students learn to treat others fairly and work together.
• Self-confidence and humility together, knowing one’s abilities while remembering that every blessing comes from Allah.

Guiding toward Allah

At its highest level, teaching helps a student know himself and his Lord. A teacher who connects lessons to gratitude, purpose and accountability helps students see that knowledge is a trust, and that its final aim is to live in a way that pleases Allah.

The Teacher’s Role in Building Society

It is often said that if you want to improve a nation, you must first improve its teachers. Every developed society rests on a strong education system, and at the centre of every education system stands the teacher. Doctors, engineers, scientists, judges and political leaders all once sat in a classroom in front of a teacher.

Forming responsible citizens

Teachers introduce young people to civic responsibility: respecting the law, caring for public property, keeping the environment clean and fulfilling the rights of others. A generation trained in these values becomes citizens who contribute to building the country rather than exploiting it.

Raising social awareness

Good teachers encourage students to think about the problems around them, such as poverty, injustice, environmental damage and human rights, and to look for solutions. This builds an informed and caring society.

Preserving identity and culture

Teachers pass on language, history, traditions and values from one generation to the next. Through them, a community keeps its identity and understands its own heritage, while remaining open to learning from others.

Building harmony

In a classroom, children from different families, backgrounds, languages and sects sit side by side. A wise teacher uses this to build mutual respect and unity, and to speak against extremism, prejudice and hatred. In doing so, the teacher lays the foundation for social peace.

Developing leadership

Beyond knowledge, teachers help students develop confidence, decision-making, teamwork and the ability to speak and lead. Many of tomorrow’s leaders discover their abilities because a teacher gave them a responsibility and believed in them.

The Teacher’s Academic Role

From memorising to understanding

A good teacher moves students beyond rote learning. He teaches them to ask questions, analyse ideas, compare evidence and reach conclusions. This matches the Qur’anic call to reflect: “Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an?” (Muhammad 47:24).

Academic honesty

Teachers train students to check their facts, cite their sources and present information accurately. This continues a long Islamic tradition. The great scholar ‘Abdullah bin al-Mubarak said that the chain of narration (isnad) is part of the religion, and that without it anyone could say whatever he wished (reported by Imam Muslim in the introduction to his Sahih). The same principle, verify before you speak, protects students from spreading misinformation today. The Qur’an commands: “If a wrongdoer brings you news, verify it” (Al-Hujurat 49:6).

Passing on intellectual heritage

Teachers connect students with the knowledge of earlier generations, in history, philosophy, science, literature and religion, so that they can build on it instead of starting from nothing.

Developing specialists

In fields such as medicine, law, science and engineering, teachers turn theory into skill through laboratories, workshops, clinical training and research projects. Without such teachers, a nation cannot produce the experts it needs.

A culture of respectful disagreement

Through discussions, seminars and debates, teachers show students how to disagree with evidence and courtesy. The Muslim scholarly tradition is rich with examples: the great imams of fiqh often differed, yet honoured one another and prayed for each other.

Our Duties Toward Teachers

If teachers carry such a heavy responsibility, society also owes them a great deal:

1. Respect them in speech and behaviour, inside and outside the classroom.
2. Pray for them, as Imam Abu Hanifah prayed for his teacher alongside his parents.
3. Support them fairly. Societies that want good teachers must give them dignity, fair pay and continuing training.
4. Parents should cooperate with teachers, working together for the child’s good rather than blaming one another.
5. Teachers, in turn, should honour their role, by teaching with sincerity, preparing well, treating every student fairly and following the gentle method of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Conclusion

The teacher is one of the most honoured and influential figures in any society. Islam elevates teaching by linking it to Allah, who “taught by the pen”, and to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was sent “as a teacher who makes things easy”. Teachers shape not only what students know but who they become: their character, their values, their sense of responsibility and their relationship with Allah.

Nations are built in classrooms. When teachers are respected, supported and sincere, they produce generations of honest professionals, thoughtful citizens and righteous believers. Honouring teachers is therefore not a mere courtesy; it is an investment in the future of the entire Ummah. May Allah grant us the ability to respect our teachers and to benefit from what they teach us. Ameen.

References

1. The Holy Qur’an: Al-Baqarah 2:151; Al-Kahf 18:66; Muhammad 47:24; Al-Hujurat 49:6; Al-Rahman 55:1-4; Al-Jumu’ah 62:2; Al-‘Alaq 96:3-5.
2. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5027.
3. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 537, 746, 1478, 1631; introduction to Sahih Muslim (saying of ‘Abdullah bin al-Mubarak).
4. Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2685.
5. Musnad Ahmad, narration of ‘Ubadah bin al-Samit.
6. Al-Ghazali, Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din, Kitab al-‘Ilm (manners of the teacher and student).
7. Muhammad Iqbal, Bang-e-Dara, poem “Nala-e-Firaq”.

The post The Role of the Teacher in Society: An Islamic Perspective appeared first on The Global Educationist.

Time is the one treasure that, once lost, can never be recovered. Wealth, health, friendships and even buildings can be restored, but a moment that has passed is gone forever. This article examines the value of time and the virtue of punctuality in the light of the Qur’an, the Sunnah and everyday experience.

It begins with Surah Al-‘Asr, in which Allah swears by time and declares that all of humanity is in loss except those who believe, do good and counsel one another to truth and patience, and with the verses describing the precise, unfailing order of the sun, moon, night and day. It then studies the Prophetic hadith “Take advantage of five before five”, along with related narrations about health and free time and about being questioned on the Day of Judgment regarding how one’s life was spent. It also discusses a narration about the regret of the people of Paradise over moments spent without the remembrance of Allah, including what scholars say about its chain. Finally, it shows how prayer at fixed times, keeping promises and disciplined study train a Muslim in punctuality, and offers practical tips for managing time.

Keywords: Punctuality, Value of Time, Surah Al-‘Asr, Five Before Five, Time Management, Discipline, Remembrance of Allah

Introduction: The Treasure That Never Returns

What is time? Why does it matter? And what do we gain by respecting it? Everyone has asked these questions at some point, yet few take the answers seriously.

Consider this. If we lose money today, we may earn it back tomorrow. If a friend is upset with us today, we can make peace the next day. If our health suffers, it may recover in a few days or weeks. Even if a house is destroyed by a natural disaster, it can be rebuilt within a year. But time is different. Once a moment has passed, all the wealth in the world cannot bring it back.

As the well-known proverb says, “Time and tide wait for no one.” No one can stop the flow of time, and very often we only realise its value after it has gone. The early Muslim scholar al-Hasan al-Basri is reported to have said: “O son of Adam, you are nothing but a collection of days. Whenever a day passes, a part of you is gone.”

Punctuality, doing things at their proper time, is the practical expression of respecting this treasure. It is a habit that shapes individuals, institutions and entire nations.

Time in the Qur’an

Surah Al-‘Asr: an oath by time

وَالْعَصْرِ ۝ إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ ۝ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ (العصر: 1-3)

Translation: “By time, indeed humanity is in loss, except those who believe, do righteous deeds, and urge one another to truth and urge one another to patience.”

When Allah swears by something in the Qur’an, it shows its great importance. Here He swears by time itself, and then declares that every human being is in loss. Commentators explain the image: a person’s life is like capital that melts away moment by moment, like ice in the sun. If he does not invest it in faith and good deeds, he ends up with nothing. Imam al-Shafi’i is reported to have said that if Allah had revealed no other proof to His creation except this surah, it would have been enough for them.

Allah also swears by other parts of time: “By the morning brightness, and by the night when it grows still” (Al-Duha 93:1-2), and “By the dawn, and by the ten nights” (Al-Fajr 89:1-2). Each oath draws attention to the value of the hours that we often waste.

The universe runs on time

All of creation follows an exact schedule set by Allah: “The sun runs to its appointed place… and for the moon We have determined phases… It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outrun the day; each floats in its own orbit” (Ya-Sin 36:38-40). “The sun and the moon move by precise calculation” (Al-Rahman 55:5).

Sunrise and sunset come at their fixed times; day and night follow each other without delay. If this order were disturbed even slightly, life on earth would fall into chaos. The whole universe teaches a silent lesson in punctuality. A human being who lives without order is, in a sense, out of harmony with the creation around him.

Worship tied to time

Allah has also linked the most important acts of worship to fixed times: “Indeed, prayer has been prescribed for the believers at fixed times” (Al-Nisa’ 4:103). Fasting begins at dawn and ends at sunset; Hajj takes place in specific months and days; zakah is due after a full year. Islam trains its followers to live by the clock of worship.

Time in the Sunnah

Five before five

‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised a man:

اغْتَنِمْ خَمْسًا قَبْلَ خَمْسٍ: شَبَابَكَ قَبْلَ هَرَمِكَ، وَصِحَّتَكَ قَبْلَ سَقَمِكَ، وَغِنَاكَ قَبْلَ فَقْرِكَ، وَفَرَاغَكَ قَبْلَ شُغْلِكَ، وَحَيَاتَكَ قَبْلَ مَوْتِكَ (المستدرک للحاکم؛ شعب الایمان للبیہقی)

Translation: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you become busy, and your life before your death.”

Each of these five is a form of opportunity, and each will one day end. Youth gives energy that old age does not. Health makes worship and work easy. Wealth allows charity and service. Free time is the space in which good plans can be carried out. And life itself is the only time in which deeds can be done at all. The wise person uses each opportunity before it is replaced by its opposite.

Two blessings that most people waste

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are two blessings in which many people are at a loss: health and free time” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6412). The word used for “loss” (maghbun) describes a trader who sells something precious for far less than its value. Many people trade their healthy, free hours for things of little worth.

Questioned about every moment

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said that on the Day of Judgment a person’s feet will not move until he is asked about his life and how he spent it, his knowledge and what he did with it, his wealth and how he earned and spent it, and his body and how he used it (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2417). Time, in other words, is not ours to waste. It is a trust for which we will answer.

The Only Regret of the People of Paradise

Mu’adh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

لَيْسَ يَتَحَسَّرُ أَهْلُ الْجَنَّةِ إِلَّا عَلَى سَاعَةٍ مَرَّتْ بِهِمْ لَمْ يَذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِيهَا (المعجم الکبیر للطبرانی؛ شعب الایمان للبیہقی)

Translation: “The people of Paradise will not regret anything except an hour that passed them by in which they did not remember Allah.”

This narration is recorded by al-Tabarani and al-Bayhaqi. Hadith scholars have differed about the strength of its chain, but its meaning is supported by authentic narrations. For example, the Prophet said: “Whoever sits in a gathering in which he does not remember Allah, it will be a cause of regret for him from Allah” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 4856).

What this teaches about time

Paradise is a place of complete happiness, free from sorrow. Yet, according to this narration, its people will still feel the value of the moments they let slip. When they see the immense reward of every glorification and every remembrance, they will wish that no moment of their worldly life had been empty.

Remembrance of Allah does not only mean sitting with prayer beads. Scholars explain that every action done with the right intention, such as studying, working honestly, caring for family or helping others, becomes a form of remembrance and worship. The lesson is not that every minute must be spent in formal worship, but that no minute should be spent in a way that has no value in this world or the next.

This also points to punctuality. A student who arrives on time, revises his lessons and completes his work as scheduled fills his time with purpose. A student who comes late, postpones today’s work to tomorrow and tomorrow’s to the day after finds his tasks piling up. In the end he complains of lack of time, while the real problem was how he used it.

Punctuality in Practice

Prayer: a daily school of punctuality

When ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) which deed is most beloved to Allah, he replied: “Prayer at its proper time” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 527). Five times a day, a Muslim stops whatever he is doing to stand before Allah at an appointed hour. Someone who truly guards his prayers is being trained, every day, to respect time. It is no surprise that the first thing a Muslim’s day is built around is the call to prayer.

Keeping appointments is keeping promises

Arriving late for a meeting, a class or an appointment means breaking a promise, even if it seems small. Allah commands: “Fulfil your promises; indeed, every promise will be questioned about” (Al-Isra’ 17:34). The Prophet (peace be upon him) listed breaking promises among the signs of a hypocrite (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 33). Punctuality is therefore not only good manners; it is part of a Muslim’s honesty and trustworthiness.

The blessing of the early morning

The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed: “O Allah, bless my nation in its early mornings” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 2606; Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1212). He also disliked sleeping before the night prayer and talking unnecessarily after it (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 568). Sleeping early and rising early is the foundation of a productive, punctual day.

In the life of a student

A punctual student arrives on time, prepares lessons in advance and reaches the examination hall early and calm. Over time, his discipline brings success, respect and, most importantly, a strong character. Punctuality learned in childhood becomes a lifelong habit, which is why parents and teachers should begin teaching it early.

In the life of a nation

Nations that value time build strong institutions, efficient services and productive economies, and they earn a respected place in the world. Nations that waste time fall behind and become dependent on others. The habits of individuals, multiplied across millions of people, decide the direction of a country.

The Wise and the Careless

Time is given equally to everyone: the wise and the foolish both receive twenty-four hours a day. The difference lies in how they use them. The wise know where and how to spend their time; they stay purposefully busy and leave behind good work and a good name that lives on long after them. History is full of such people, scholars, reformers and builders whose achievements still benefit humanity.

The careless waste their hours and are soon forgotten. They often blame time itself, saying “times are bad” or “time was against me”. Yet the Prophet (peace be upon him) reported that Allah said: “Do not curse time, for I am time” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2246), meaning that Allah is the One who controls the passing of days. Blaming time is a way of escaping responsibility for how we used it.

Practical Tips for Punctuality

1. Build your day around the five prayers. Use them as fixed anchors and plan other tasks between them.
2. Sleep early and wake early, and use the blessed hours after Fajr for study or important work.
3. Make a simple daily list of tasks, and do the most important one first.
4. Stop postponing. Do today’s work today; small tasks left for later become heavy burdens.
5. Leave early for appointments, allowing extra time for traffic and delays.
6. Control screen time. Set limits on social media and games, which quietly consume hours.
7. Use small moments well, such as waiting time or travel, for dhikr, short reading or reflection.
8. Review your day each night. Thank Allah for time well spent, seek forgiveness for time wasted, and plan for tomorrow.

Conclusion

Time is an everlasting treasure whose loss nothing in the world can make up for. Allah swears by it in Surah Al-‘Asr and warns that every human being is in loss except those who fill their time with faith, good deeds, truth and patience. The universe itself runs on a precise schedule, and Islam ties its greatest acts of worship to fixed times. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to seize five opportunities before they disappear, reminded us that most people waste their health and free time, and warned that we will be asked how we spent our lives.

Punctuality is how a believer turns these teachings into daily practice: praying on time, keeping appointments, completing work as scheduled and avoiding procrastination. Whoever values his time will see its fruits in this world through success and respect, and in the Hereafter through a record full of good deeds rather than regret.

References

1. The Holy Qur’an: Al-Nisa’ 4:103; Al-Isra’ 17:34; Ya-Sin 36:38-40; Al-Rahman 55:5; Al-Fajr 89:1-2; Al-Duha 93:1-2; Al-‘Asr 103:1-3.
2. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 33, 527, 568, 6412.
3. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2246.
4. Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 2606, 4856.
5. Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1212, 2417.
6. Al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, and al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman (hadith “Take advantage of five before five”).
7. Al-Tabarani, al-Mu’jam al-Kabir, and al-Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman (narration of Mu’adh bin Jabal on the regret of the people of Paradise).
8. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, commentary on Surah Al-‘Asr.

The post Punctuality: The Value of Time in Islam and in Life appeared first on The Global Educationist.

The best qualities of good leaders are:

1. Vision
2. Courage
3. Integrity
4. Humility
5. Strategic planning
6. Focus
7. Cooperation

Who Makes A Great Leader

Great leaders find the balance between foresight, performance, and character of the business. They have vision, courage, integrity, humility, and focus, together with their team’s ability to strategically plan and catalyze cooperation.

7 Leadership Qualities Of Great Leaders

Here are the seven qualities of great leaders and manager:

1. Vision

“Good business leaders build a vision, express the vision, embody the vision with passion, and drive it to completion without yielding.” – Jack Welch

Great leaders have a vision. They’re able to see the future. We have a straightforward, exciting vision of where they’re going and what they’re trying to achieve, and are outstanding at strategic planning. That consistency separates them from managers. Having a clear vision transforms the individual into a particular type of person. This vision quality transforms a “transactional manager” into a “transformation leader.” While the job is done by a manager, great leaders tap into their employees ‘ emotions.

2. Courage

“Courage is rightly considered the foremost of the virtues, for, upon it, all others depend. ” –Winston Churchill

One of the strong leader’s most important qualities is bravery. Having the quality of courage means you’re willing to take risks with no assurance of success in achieving your goals. Because there is no certainty about life or business, any commitment you make and any action you take involves some kind of risk. Among the seven qualities of leadership, courage is the outward trait that is most recognizable.

3. Integrity

“With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.” Zig Zig Ziglar

The first value that all the collected executives agree on for their company is integrity in every strategic planning session that I have conducted for large and small corporations. We all agree on the value of total honesty, both internally and externally, in everything they do. Truthfulness is the core of Integrity. Integrity demands that you always tell the truth in every situation, to all people. Truthfulness is the founding quality of confidence that is important for any company to succeed.

4. Humility

Modesty’s getting results. Larry Bossidy, Honeywell’s former CEO and author of the book Execution explained why leadership qualities, such as modesty, make you a more effective leader:

“The more you can contain your ego, the more realistic you are about your problems. You learn how to listen, and admit that you don’t know all the answers. You exhibit the attitude that you can learn from anyone at any time. Your pride doesn’t get in the way of gathering the information you need to achieve the best results. It doesn’t keep you from sharing the credit that needs to be shared. Humility allows you to acknowledge your mistakes.” Larry Bossidy

Those who are solid and aggressive but also humble are great leaders. Humility doesn’t mean you’re weak or insecure about yourself. It means you have the confidence and self-awareness to recognize other people’s worth without feeling threatened. This is one of the rarer attributes of good leaders or traits because it requires one’s ego to be contained. This means you’re willing to acknowledge that you might be incorrect, that you may not have all the answers. And it means you give credit where credit is due which a lot of people are failing to do.

5. Strategic Planning

“Strategy is not the consequence of planning, but the opposite: it’s the starting point.” Henry Mintzberg

Great leaders at strategic planning are outstanding. It’s another of the more important characteristics of leadership. You have the ability to look ahead, to predict where the business and the markets are heading with some accuracy.

Leaders should predict patterns well ahead of their rivals. They continually ask, “Where’s the market going on based on what’s happening today? Where would it be in three months, six months, a year, and two years?” By careful strategic planning, they do this. Only the leaders and companies that can reliably predict potential markets will possibly survive because of the rising competition. Just foresighted leaders will benefit from the “first-mover advantage.”

6. Focus

“Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” – Jack Canfield

Leaders always focus on the company’s needs and the situation. Leaders concentrate on performance, what has to be done by themselves, others, and the business. Great leaders are concentrating on strengths, in themselves and in others.

We concentrate on the organization’s assets, the things the company does best to please challenging clients in a competitive marketplace. Your ability as a leader to call the shots and ensure everyone is concentrated and focused on the most effective use of their resources is important for the company’s excellent performance.

7. Cooperation

If your imagination leads you to understand how quickly people grant your requests when those requests appeal to their self-interest, you can have practically anything you go after.” Napoleon Hill

Your ability to get everyone to cooperate and come together is key to your success. Leadership is the ability to get people who want to work for you.

The 80/20 rule applies here:

Your twenty percent contribute 80 percent of your results. Your ability to select these people and then work well with them on a daily basis is essential for the organization to function smoothly. Gain the support of others by making every single day a commitment to get along well with every key person. When it comes to a job you always have a choice: You can do it yourself, or you can get someone else to do it for you. Which one would it be?

Effective leaders are good communicators as well

The ability to speak effectively and persuasively is another important trait which the best leaders strive to perfect. In fact, in their own businesses, many tend to practice public speaking until they are ready to branch out into professional paid speaking gigs. While speaking out in front of crowds is a top fear for most of us, conquering this fear is what makes a good leader a great leader. If you’re able to surmount your fear of speaking and start leading more efficiently, just take the first step and the rest will become history.

Outstanding leaders lead by Example

For the most part, leaders are thinking about good leadership qualities and how to apply them daily. They also know that to truly win the will of their followers they must lead by example. The big attribute of good and great leaders is their willingness to stick to this idea.

Remember: The most important contribution you will make to your business is to be a visionary, take responsibility for the results, and aspire to go forward.

The post 7 Leadership Qualities Of Great Leaders appeared first on The Global Educationist.