"Now there are five matters to which a general must pay strict heed. The first of these is administration; the second, preparedness; the third, determination; the fourth, prudence; and the fifth, economy." — Wu Ch'i (430-381 BC)
We can learn a lot from leaders in different fields of work. Upon reading the above quote, it was interesting to note that 'economy' came 5th and last on the list. As a leader one realizes that economics (while it has a role to play) is not often the most important factor in the leadership equation. What comes first is building, making a difference, touching lives, getting results. Coincidentally, I wrote about this about a week ago – read here.
"The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there." — John Buchan
Leaders inspire and bring out the best in those around them. A leader should be able to recognize the unique strengths of team members and help them develop from a position of strength.
"Leadership must be based on goodwill. Goodwill does not mean posturing and, least of all, pandering to the mob. It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers. We are tired of leaders we fear, tired of leaders we love, and tired of leaders who let us take liberties with them. What we need for leaders are men of the heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away." — Admiral James B. Stockdale
Quite profound. Leadership is not about having power and wielding it to control. It is not about being the center of attention and taking all credit, it's about giving these away to others (mainly through empowerment, recognition, encouragement), because when the team shines, the leader shines.
"Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." — Harry Truman
There is always an opportunity to help make a difference where you are. Once you're able to see beyond yourself, you will find that you can be that change agent that helps create better tomorrows for your family, at the work place, and in the community in general.
It's only a job when all that matters is what you can gain for yourself; it's leadership when most of your focus extends to what you can do for others, how you can better impact their lives.
"You don't lead by pointing and telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case." — Ken Kesey
A great leader is always found in the trenches, where the work needs to be done – actively pursuing goals and inspiring others to join them.
Leadership is a continuous cycle of giving and service. Do not feel despaired at how much energy and effort you have been putting out, keep doing it and your efforts will compound to produce success.
"Leadership is not magnetic personality, that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not "making friends and influencing people", that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations." — Peter F. Drucker
A leader challenges others to be better, to reach for more, to stretch themselves further and to most importantly get out of their comfort zones and do something they never thought themselves capable of.
This post is dedicated to all who work hard and put in long hours for a greater good.
Cheers to your success!