What is leadership?

This is an article shared by a friend. Enjoy!

********************************************************************

I went on a search to become a leader.

I searched high and low. I spoke with authority. People listened. But alas, there was one who was wiser than I, and the crowd followed that individual. I sought to inspire confidence, but the crowd responded, ‘Why should we trust you?’

I postured, and I assumed the look of leadership with a countenance that flowed with confidence and pride. But many passed me by and never noticed my air of elegance.

I ran ahead of the others, pointed the way to new heights. I demonstrated that I knew the route to greatness. And then I looked back, and I was alone.

"What shall I do?’ I queried. ‘I’ve tried hard and used all that I know.’

And I sat down and pondered long. And then I listened to the voices around me. And I heard what the group was trying to accomplish. I rolled up my sleeves and joined in the work.

As we worked, I asked, ‘Are we all together in what we want to do and how to get the job done?’

I found myself encouraging the fainthearted.
I sought the ideas of those too shy to speak out.
I taught those who had little skill.
I praised those who had worked hard.

When our task was completed, one of the group turned to me and said, ’this would not have been done but for your leadership.’

At first, I said, ‘I didn’t lead. I just worked with the rest.’ And then I understood, leadership is not a goal. It’s a way of reaching a goal.
I lead best when I help others to go where we’ve decide to go.
I lead best when I help others to use themselves creatively.
I lead best when I forget about myself as a leader and focus on my group… their needs and their goals.”



Anonymous (well said!) August 15 2008 Bob Hooey - "The Power of One! You Can, Do and Will Make a Difference!"