True leaders
create an environment in which everyone can develop their potential. When we call someone a leader, what we
sometimes mean is that they are the best in their particular field; they are
inspiring because of how much they accomplish. To be highly accomplished is
impressive, but that isn’t what leadership is about. True leaders are not
just high achievers; they also support the people around them to achieve,
and, in certain cases, to become leaders themselves. In other words, true
leaders do not create a static group of followers. Rather, they create an
environment in which everyone can develop their potential. True leaders don’t
get so caught up in the forward thrust of their own energy that they forget
about others or the larger environment. They set an example with their
actions, and they also support others to act. This is why true leadership is
so rare. Not everybody is cut out to be a leader,
but most of us have the potential to serve in a leadership role at some point
in our lives. When doing so, we might want to be inspired by the highest
manifestation of leadership, remembering that we are meant to forward not
only ourselves but a whole environment—an ideal, a plan, the people around
us. While this won’t be easy, it is the true meaning of the job, and we can
trust that we are capable of it. Otherwise, we probably wouldn’t find
ourselves in the position to lead. It’s also possible that we have determined
that our gifts are best applied in a secondary position, supporting the
efforts of a leader whose vision we admire. In this case, we can ensure that
our energy is best applied by holding the person for whom we work to a high
standard of leadership. In this way, we take responsibility for our own gifts
by guaranteeing that they will be appreciated and developed in a way that
best serves the whole. |
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