Think for a minute about the people that have truly had an impact on
your life. I believe that the people
that have impacted my life and yours in a significant way typically are not
your big mouth, arrogant, bombastic types! Contrast for a minute the Mother
Teresa types and then our more recent presidential candidate who is more like
what I mentioned above. Why does it seem to be the case that too often the
assumption that to succeed in business or life you have to be a loud mouth and
pushy type to get something done? Whereas the reality is that the real doers in
the world are not out to get credit or attention but to serve in a very humble
fashion more concerned about others then themselves.
What I think is fascinating is to listen to this one presidential
candidate squirm when asked spot on whether he has ever messed up, asked for
forgiveness and made an apology? The tragic news is that this individual seems
to perceive himself as to being nearly perfect. Is it not the case that many
have repeated the phrase often that to ‘err is human but to forgive is divine’?
So sadly in today’s leadership paradigm for many what’s missing is honesty and
humility! Most of us have had the misfortunate of working for a taskmaster type
of person. I don’t consider them real leaders and the fall out in the work
place is that morale and a passion for work and life is missing in the culture
of these businesses.
I have so much appreciated the work of many like Susan Cain and Adam
Grant types that are making the case that true leaders can be the quiet, persistent,
honest and humble people that consider others first before themselves! As my
mom would always tell me that honesty was the best policy to have in life! She
would also be quick to say in her own way that it was important to admit to
your personal screw-ups in life. (Simply
put be humble and real!) She would make
the case that this was also best for your personal mental stability. Otherwise
you had to always be watching your back because eventually your lack of humility
and honesty would catch up with you.
I know that it’s still so easy to make false assumptions about
people types and whether they would make great leaders. We forget that what’s
more important in life and leadership is character, integrity or simply put
being honest and humble. It’s time to stand up to the bullies in life not by
shoving, pushing or kicking them out of the way but instead by your amazing
example of being the true leader that doesn’t seek credit, fame or fortune but
serves without expecting anything in return! This doesn’t mean that you aren’t
communicating in the marketplace, neighborhood, church or even in a TED talk
but that you choose to be yourself, not an imitator or clone of some celeb.
So the real question is what type of leader are you aspiring to
become? I know that the people who have impacted my life the most more recently
have been seniors that are involved with doing community work. They don’t
necessarily say a lot nor are necessarily going to win awards for elocution but
their choices, actions and involvement in the neighborhood has left a lasting
impact. I was so jazzed when a new recreation center in Phoenix was named after
one of my local heroes, Fay Grey!
Yes, true leadership is all about being humble and honest!
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