Tips for leading a Prepper Community

Communities will fare better than individuals if T-SHTF, but those communities will need to be led in order to thrive. Many people simply assume they are fit to lead because they are a manager at their job or happened to be a team captain in high school. But leading is harder that most would expect, especially under adverse conditions when decisions (good and bad) have real consequences. Leadership isn’t about bossing people around or expecting people to follow you because you have the most money, largest biceps or own the coolest tactical gear. While the tyrant role might work in the near term it won’t be long before followers get tired of being oppressed.

This might be the point where you expect me to write about all of the success I’ve had as a leader and how people loved to follow me, but you would be wrong. What I would like to do is describe the traits of the people I’ve had the privilege to follow in the past, people who I looked upon with great respect and would follow anywhere. When I sit back and contemplate what made those people so great and why they were so successful the following traits (and their definitions) come to mind.

Humbleness. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.

Compassion. Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.

Listening. To make an effort to hear something.

Selflessness. Having, exhibiting, or motivated by no concern for oneself; unselfish

Strength. The ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly.

Courage. The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.

Fairness. Having or exhibiting a disposition that is free of favoritism or bias; impartial.

Competence. The state or quality of being adequately or well qualified; ability.

Decisiveness. Characterized by decision and firmness; resolute.

Loyalty. A feeling of allegiance.

Honorable. Principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.

These traits could benefit any us who might be faced with a situation post SHTF where others in our community are looking to us for leadership. Most people are willing to follow, but ironically few are prepared to lead when others are staring at them and waiting on a decision to be made under adverse conditions. I listed out the traits I felt were exhibited by those who I have had the priviledge to follow in my lifetime, leaders who I would charge into the very gates of hell with.  Not because they told me to but because they inspired me to.  If T-SHTF your community might look to you for inspiration and leadership as well.  Be prepared to lead, and by that I mean serve.

My own definition of leadership is this: The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence. —General Montgomery

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