“It is better to lead from behind and put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. The people will appreciate your leadership.”

Nelson Mandela

Every time I read this quote I can’t help admiring the fortitude and insight of the man who said it.

In my life I’ve been inspired by three important figures:  Vasil Levski, known as the Apostle of freedom, who had a leading role in the revolutionary movements and struggles  for the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman rule, Abraham Lincoln , one of the greatest American presidents and Nelson Mandela, a great leader of his nation.  These people were devoted to a cause, they knew how to serve others and they took the lead without expecting anything in return. As once Vasil Levski said, “If I win, I win for the entire people. If I lose, I lose only myself.”

In my country the totalitarian regime was respected until 1989, since then the Bulgarian nation continues to shake it off. Our people have been through a lot over the centuries  but  never broke their spirit.What is missing is a true leadership at every stage of the development of a generation. Here comes the role of a teacher. May be for the world teachers are just teachers but to students they are heroes, leaders and behavior models.  How can a teacher develop students’ character?  It all starts inside with self-discipline to be your own leader and to know yourself. As an ancient Indian proverb says, “There is nothing noble in being superior to some other person. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self.” We have to learn how to temper our ego or better leave it at the front door of the building where we work as the ego is an obstacle to work well, to give support to students and colleagues, and to show true leadership. Moral leaders aim to serve others and they develop the capacity of others. They know how to motivate and inspire, they care about the others and find ways to link pleasure to the daily work of their people with the ultimate goal to which they aspire. It’s more than obvious that people who feel well do greater results. Moral leaders focus on the release of human talent and potential, conduct with integrity, character and courage. Moral leaders keep their promises, always tell the truth, and listen to others with the intent to understand not to reply. Usually dictatorial style leads to one of the two results: people either fear or begin to rebel. Moral leaders inspire and combine humanity with courage. Moral leaders reward their people as they regularly recognize their contributions, in return they always get more that they give.

Moral leaders are committed to a cause greater than themselves which makes them characters larger than life.