by George Tarulis

Great leadership is the ability to lead by example, provide inspiration, perform ethically, and possess innate integrity.

What we do matters – it sets the example for others. Surely, great leaders lead by example! A great leader sets the standard, consistently keeping their actions above reproach. What we do matters, because our everyday actions define us as a person and set an example for others.

Character

Great leadership is first and foremost about who we are as a person – character is at the core! Character defines our principles and values.

Great leadership is about genuine respect for ourselves and very definitely for others. We must be fair with everyone, listen with care to them, and be honest with them.

Integrity

A vital part of a great leader is integrity. Without integrity a person cannot “qualify” as a great leader. Integrity is the commitment to do what is right regardless of the circumstances.

“You are already of consequence in the world if you are known as a man of strict integrity.”
~Grenville Kleiser

Helping Others Succeed

A great leader knows the importance of sharing and teaching the reasons for their success to others. We see potential in others and want to create opportunities for them to grow and advance, and we seek opportunities to empower them to succeed. People fail to be great leaders primarily due to arrogance and ego.

If you posses the qualities of a great leader, you will be a motivator to others, will inspire them. People will want to follow you, work hard and want to be on your team. After all, the ultimate goal of a great leader is to motivate and inspire a team for a common goal.

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George Tarulis

George Tarulis is an Area President of Arthur J Gallagher & Co., currently with their Risk Placement Services division. He has had several important leadership positions in risk management services for Gallagher.

George and I were colleagues at Johnson &Higgins in Chicago and I had great respect for his dedication to helping our clients. He is a conscientious and knowledgeable professional and also a great teammate. He would do his very best and always encouraged and helped our co-workers to do their best and succeed.

Now a recognized leader in Gallagher’s Religious/Nonprofit sector, George is also actively involved in their summer intern program and in mentoring young producers. He is also active in his community, working with Big Shoulders Fund, the Make a Wish Foundation and United We Stand. In addition, he serves on the Auxiliary Board of Catholic Charities and the Board of Directors of Amate House.

George received undergraduate degrees in political science and economics from Illinois State and his masters in clinical psychology from DePaul University.

I believe George is a natural leader for a lot of reasons, especially for his genuine care about his team members and also his character, his personal integrity, honesty and commitment to always do what is best, the right things.

And, no surprise, George has a wonderful family, his wife, Jennifer, and a young son and daughter.