From one long-time leader to a group just getting started, Dr. John Kline gave one of his shorter speeches on a subject he could talk about for days.

Kline, director of the Institute for Leadership Development at Troy University, told the Pike County Young Professional’s members Thursday the nuts and bolts of being a strong leader.

From what makes a good leader to how to lead effectively to how to bring others along in the process, Kline covered a scope of leadership information for the Pike County Chamber of Commerce sponsored group.

“To be an effective leader you have to know where to go, know how to get there and know how to get others to follow,” Kline said.

He began by telling the group by breaking down what a leader does.

“Leaders lead when it’s the best way for them to serve others,” he said. The idea of servant leadership, he told the group, is something a good leader needs to master.

“You lead because you think it can help.”

Good leaders not only serve in their roles, but they also share their leadership with others, Kline said.

“Find good people, and give them responsibility, and help them succeed,” he said. “When things go right take the credit. When things go wrong, take the blame.”

Kline said a good leader does so by following several rules — listening, energizing, demonstrating in actions, directing, encouraging and relying.

He said leaders have to be people willing to listen. They must be people who can energize. They must be people who lead by example.

“We learn more by watching people,” he said. “Act appropriately…and communicate effectively. If you can’t communicate, don’t try to lead.”

And he said a leader should “rely on God,” an act of true humility.

He said those who follow these leadership rules will in turn bring others with them in the process.