Leadership: Tom Kane

Introduction

Tom Kane character fits the definition of a natural leader, and this has been portrayed in the way he interacts with other people. He has been able to create a positive environment that has attracted the attention of those around him so that in him, they find a figure to look up to.  Natural leaders do not assert their leadership potential, but they find themselves influencing other people to follow them. Tom's demeanor and personality traits have endeared him to the people in the neighborhood so that they think highly of him as a natural leader, and one who has shaped their thoughts, behavior and actions.

The leadership qualities depicted by Tom come, and the people around him have acknowledged the level of influence he had on them. People can easily interact with him and can confide in, listen and trust him, and this shows his likable character. Being likable makes it easier for a person to be followed since people can relate with the individual at a personal level, which is important for leadership. Through his restaurant, Tom has impacted the lives of many young people from his neighborhood by giving them a chance to work, learn, and gain experience they would not have acquired in school or colleges. He created a working environment in the restaurant that kept young people off the streets and motivated them to work hard in school by only employing with a grade of B. His hardworking trait means that he can only accommodate individuals who are not lazy, and most people are willing to follow such a leader. Tom is also open-minded and they are willing to accept diversity, and thus he did not allow any cursing, religion, and politics in the bar. This inclusiveness enables him to focus on other people, which explain why he would not allow any issue that could bring division and conflict at the place of work. Religion and political issues are known to cause sharp division and conflict, and this can affect the working environment.

Tom's outstanding leadership qualities can clearly be seen in the way he managed his business and his concerns for his workers. The workers have recognized the maxims and one-liners that he used while explaining things or giving advice. He was genuinely concerned with the affairs of the people around him, and they could tell that he was not false airs. He showed that natural leadership is a gift that only a few people have, and when put into great use by an individual who embraces it, he can even impart the social lives of people in the surrounding. His ability to relate with other people at a personal level saw him influence his friends to enlist into the military, and his joining the Air Force was the best decision that opened the door for more lucrative opportunities. His decisions show a sign of confidence, which is necessary if a natural leader is to influence others and inspire confidence in them. Even after being plagued by injuries and leaving college, he decided to look elsewhere for more opportunities. The decision depicts his ability to think strategically, which as an important trait of a natural leader.

Tom has had a broad life experience acquired at the military, and various places he worked after completing his term of service. His hard work saw him work as a bartender, which enabled him to explore various career opportunities in Philadelphia before settling for a venture in the restaurant business in the city. The atmosphere he created in this business, especially for the kids growing up in the neighborhood played a key role in shaping their social lives. It provided them an opportunity for adult learning, especially in relation to social interaction dynamics. Tom's leadership showed them the good, the bad, and the ugly side of human nature including how to handle and manage it. Those people who interacted with him while they were young can recall his efforts, hard work, and contribution to their personal growth. He offered them an opportunity to immerse themselves into adult learning, which contributed to the development of their social skills necessary in dealing with various issues that life throws at them. In fact, the people who grew up under his mentorship still go back listen to his wisdom. Some even go as far as mimicking Tom's tendencies, which indicates the level of influence that he had on their lives. He still inspires them to improve their situation and be better individuals by encouraging them to "be their own persons". That his wisdom and ideas are still sought after today further indicates the kind of a leader Tom has been known to be.

Conclusion

Tom depicts some important traits that make him a natural leader. His natural leadership qualities were polished through life experiences and skills that he has acquired from different working places and his restaurant business. The fact that he still commands respect and following among the younger generation sets him apart from the rest in the neighborhood.