5 Key qualities of an Informal Leader

Is leadership derived from Power, designation, and titles? If you see the history, people like Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, present the best example of leaders without titles. Later people must have conferred some titles on them, but it was because they considered these great men their leaders. An informal leader is made by his followers. What made these informal leaders so impactful that they enjoyed more authority and powers than those formal or designated leaders? These informal leaders had the following attributes of leadership:

1. Initiative: They decided to listen to their conscience and took an initiative to change the Status Quo. They were not tasked by anyone but had their own vision and mission in mind.
2. Selfless: Though their initiative was their inner calling their efforts were for the world at large. They were selfless in approach, where they were keen on seeking the benefit for their people, more than themselves.
3. Committed: They were committed to their people, nation, and their values. They set an example for people through their commitment to their goals.
4. Communication: These leaders were great communicators. They could connect with people and their thoughts resonated with their audience. This way they were able to persuade people to join them to achieve a certain cause.
5. Empathetic: These leaders could connect with their people emotionally. They understood the Pathos (emotional appeal) of their audience and that made these leaders credible.

Being a leader without a title is tough, yet if achieved, it stays forever.