The Importance Of Self-Awareness To Leadership
“It’s only recently that I’ve come to understand leadership. That understanding , based on my own experience , has led me to some surprising conclusions, but I suspect others have had similar inklings….. The leadership journey is first and foremost an intensely personal one. I now believe it is impossible to define leadership without linking one’s own life, i.e. knowing myself, understanding my style, my quirks and my shortcomings.”
- An executive of long experience -
All Change Is Self-Change
“When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But, it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt , I settled for changing only family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize, if I had only changed myself first then by example, I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement I would then have been able to better my country and, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.
- Words inscribed on a tomb in Westminster Abbey -
The Paradox of Leadership
The paradox of leaders is that as they give power away, so they become more powerful! Rather than imposing their will on others, they work through example and the evident authenticity of their words and actions. Their leadership becomes more compelling, and the people with whom they are working are more likely to respond because they feel more responsible, more committed, and more fulfilled in their work.”
- Binney and Williams -
We Do Have A Choice
“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized.”
- Goethe -
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