Thoughts on leadership

Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest American Presidents of all time, said: “The surest way to reveal one’s character is not through adversity but by giving them power.” No credit is given to the author of the following: “I sought my God and my God I could not find. I sought my soul and my soul eluded me. I sought my brother to serve him in his need, and I found all three — my God, my soul and thee.”

Both of these quotes are taken from Stephen R. Covey’s “The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness.” I recommend chapter 15. It’s about serving others as a leader — servant leadership. Paradoxically, great leaders combine personal humility with professional will. No room for narcissism. No room for self-interest. It’s about the higher call to lead a team in accomplishing something of lasting value.

From Jim Collins’ book “Leading Beyond Walls,” great leaders define what those who follow will aim to achieve based on core values and principles. They build mechanisms of connection and commitment rooted in freedom of choice, rather than relying on systems of coercion and control. Great leaders realize that the exercise of true leadership is inversely proportional to the exercise of power. Great leadership strikes a perfect balance between formal authority (derived by one’s position (earned or not)), and moral authority (which is bestowed — voluntarily and through freedom of choice — by the follower!)

Nearly everyone leads someone, somewhere. If you are a leader, be a model, not a critic. Lead by example. Be as positive as possible, as often as possible. Learn this: It’s not about you! (Newsflash!) Your personal integrity matters most. If you say it or promise it, do it. Right makes might (and not the other way around.) Be a servant of those under you, and watch what happens next. Patience, kindness, gentleness, empathy and gentle persuasion are character-lifting and life-changing for people. When treated this way people follow for all the right reasons, volunteering their genuine commitment. By throwing your weight around (weight that is conferred by “position” or “status”) you weaken yourself, your team, and the quality of relationships around you.

Here’s a leadership test: How do you treat the ones who test you the most?

Check these titles out:
Good to Great, by Jim Collins
The 8th Habit, by Stephen R. Covey

Humility matters. A lot!