WISE Leadership

"To lead people, walk beside them ... As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honour and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate ... When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves!'" - Lao-tsu

I have noticed that most people, when the term 'leadership' is used, think of those "in charge" as if leadership is about control and authority. The idea presented is that anyone who holds a position of power is necessarily a leader.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Real Leaders lead by virtue of their Personal Power rather than their position or qualifications or social standing. They lead, not to impress others, but to get something done; to make a difference because it needs doing, not to build a reputation or a legacy. And the greatest leaders have needed no authority and in fact have rebelled against it. 

The highest form of intelligence is WISDOM, and W.I.S.E. leaders embrace four principles:

W - Win-Win

Leaders seek solutions that are a win for everyone involved, because only win-win solutions are sustainable. As soon as there is a loser, the chances are, any inequity will result in conflict over time.

I - Inspire

People perform better when they are encouraged and they have an inspiring vision. People follow leaders who capture their imagination, who enable them to visualise a Future Desired Reality that moves them to action. Leaders energise their followers, motivating them to perform at their best.

S - Support

Leaders see themselves as dependent on their people, not as their Masters, but as their Guides. They seek to lift up their followers, not put them down. 

E - Educate

Development of their people is a critical component of the future for Leaders; it is what will sustain the group or organisation over the long term. 

WISE leaders are Big Picture and Long Term View oriented. They have learned to defer their needs, no longer dominated by the immediate needs so evident in dictators.

Everyone is potentially capable of leadership, since it has as it's components skills which can be learned. What differentiates leaders from normal people is often the willingness to do the hard yards, to be prepared to stand alone, to persevere in the face of hardship. 

It is often a thankless task, and more often without recognition, but for Real Leaders, well worth the effort when they see the things they have given their life to grow and thrive...

D (just call me D)

justd@justd.ws

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