John Ed Mathison spoke on what it takes to be a leader during the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon on Wednesday.

“People follow where people lead,” Mathison said. He said there are four characteristics that every leader needs to be effective: the ability to visualize, mobilize, energize and finalize.

Mathison said that a leader must visualize what can occur in the future in order for everyone else to see the same vision.

“Unless you see it before you see it, nobody else will see it,” Mathison said. “I dare you to dream outside of the box.”

After visualizing a leader must put the vision into action.

“A dream without a plan usually becomes a nightmare,” he said. Leaders must put act on the vision in order to reap positive results.

A leader must also be energized, in order to motivate others to continue to work toward the vision. Mathison said that the best way to energize people is through love.

“Love always motivates,” he said.

And for any leader to be successful, he must finalize.

“There is a fine line between finishing and almost finishing,” he said.

Businesses in Troy demonstrate these characteristics well, and the Chamber recognized seven of those businesses with awards during the luncheon.

Troy Bank & Trust was recognized as the 2015 Business of the Year. Chick-fil-A won the Hospitality Award, Troy Regional Medical Center won the Health and Human Services Award, KW Plastics and Recycling won the Manufacturing Industrial and Logistic Services Award, Troy Cable won the Business Services Award, Troy Rotary won the Philanthropy Award and Meeks Termite and Pest Control won the Customer Service Award. All of these businesses have shown excellence in these areas.

Mathison challenged everyone at the luncheon to practice these leadership characteristics in order to better Troy and Pike County.

“Where Troy will be in 10 years and 30 years is highly dependent on where you lead,” he said. “God can redefine the possible in any situation.”