"True leaders are hardly known to their followers.
Good leaders are those who people love and admire;
Poor leaders are those who people fear and despise;
Great leaders are those who people say -- we did it ourselves."
Lao-Tzu
These words of wisdom were written by a "great leader" in the sixth century BC
Centuries later, the words still ring true. None of us can succeed alone in today's world. We need others to join our team...to help us fulfill great visions.
Many have forgotten who they are and have lost hope. Existing day-to-day attempting to tiptoe their way to death. Our world cries out for true leaders....the great leader who will give more than he or she asks in return. The leader who holds a higher vision of possibility for all of us who may forget who we are and of what we are capable.
Will you be that leader?
Leadership is not the private preserve of the gifted few. Contrary to popular belief, leaders are not born...they are made. My studies have proven that all great leaders are great givers. They see their job as to remove barriers, help others fulfill their dreams, to give tremendous value. They see their responsibility as creating an environment filled with passion whereby team members will motivate themselves.
Not looking for praise or self-glorification, great leaders cultivate qualities such as: listening, empathy, values, purpose, vision, and dialogue.
True leadership has nothing to do with title or position. The small ego thrives on title and positional power. The true leader possess "Legitimate Power." In other words, people follow them because they want to follow -- they follow out of a shared vision, a mutual purpose, passion and respect.
Why do people follow you? Do they follow you?
Tips for living the advice of the great leader Lao-Tzu:
- While many great leaders are great orators, to move the human spirit you must understand those whom you want to move. Listen twice as much as you speak. You may have heard that God gave you two ears and one mouth for good reason. Use them proportionately.
- The greatest call of the leader today is to create an environment where people can know themselves. How much do you contribute and encourage the self-development of your team? How much time, money, and energy do you commit to your own personal development? Be an example of the behavior you want to observe.
- Catch someone doing something right and praise them. If something is not appreciating it is depreciating. Do you appreciate or depreciate those with whom you work?
- Before you act - STOP! Ask yourself, "Is this action going to create hate, fear, admiration, or self-awareness." Your results will grow in direct proportion to your own growth (the same is true of your team). Choose to nurture self-awareness.
Hold yourself to a higher standard. Become one of the few great leaders to touch and improve the lives of all those with whom you interact. Success will come to you as a byproduct and you will live an abundant and fruitful life.
Choose greatness and make your life magnificent.
Continued success,
Your coach,
James
www.JamesRay.com
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