“The secret of leadership is simple: do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there.”
Sensible basics of ethical leadership like this quote by Seth Godin (popular leadership blogger and writer) in this month’s free edition of Leadership Guide Magazine seem to be a contradiction to what has been happening in recent years.
Godin’s practical basics are interspersed with colorful pops of paradigm shifting wisdom that acknowledges, yes, times have changed and so has everything in business. We have an interesting interview with Godin (CLICK HERE) and also a story that focuses in on his bold views on modern leadership (CLICK HERE) for “Linchpin Leadership.”)
“It’s rare that it’s obvious when to lead. Sure there are times when you know you need to stand up, take a position, spread an idea, clear out an obstacle, and be brave,” Godin says. “But more obvious than not, great leadership happens when the tribe least expects it. The non-obvious moments are the ones that count. Like now, perhaps.”
The third article, “Doing the Right Thing, Even if it Costs a Lot” (CLICK HERE) is written by Fred A. Manske Jr., the former CEO of Purolator Courier, Ltd. and Senior Vice President of FedEx. In this article he presents an inspiring story of what one major corporation has done to alleviate pain and suffering in Africa.
INSPIRING LEADERSHIP QUOTES by Seth Godin, February Leader in Action:
Leadership almost always involves thinking and acting like the underdog. That is because leaders work to change things, and the people who are winning rarely do.
The merits of leadership are so ingrained that it is natural to say ‘I will take the lead.’ Sometimes, though, it may make more sense to take the follow. Leading when you do not know where to go, when you do not have the commitment or the passion, or worst of all, when you cannot overcome your fear—that sort of leading is worse than none at all. It takes guts to acknowledge that perhaps this time, right now, you cannot lead. So get out of the way and take the follow instead.
THE ELEMENTS OF LEADERSHIP:
• Leaders challenge the status quo
• Leaders create a culture around their goal and involve others in that culture.
• Leaders have an extraordinary amount of curiosity about the world they are trying to change.
• Leaders use charisma (in a variety of forms) to attract and motivate followers.
• Leaders communicate their vision of the future.
• Leaders commit to a vision and make decisions based on that commitment.
• Leaders connect to their followers and to one another.
• You do not have to be in charge or powerful or pretty or connected to be a leader. You do have to be committed.
