Leader View pt.3

True leadership is a development of the internal self. It is a pursuit of wisdom. It is an awareness that knowledge is only a small fraction of the equation. True leaders recognize that doing the right thing is hard, that sometimes personal reputation takes a hit for the greater good. That prestige is a trap. That doing the work is the only way. And that we can NEVER skip steps.

 A leader takes time to develop skill and craft, pursuing that which ignites the soul; learning and growing, developing deep roots. When a leader realizes they are a leader, it is usually long after everyone around them. When influence turns into power, they see it as an opportunity to impact. 

A true leader is not threatened by the removal of power.

Or platform.

Or megaphone.

Or prestige and exclusivity.

Or authority.

Or glory.

But provides/ facilitates/ promotes/ encourages others.

A leader gives away power.

A leader acts for the good of the ecosystem around them, as big or small as it is.

A leader does not TAKE from others. Not time, attention, recognition, emotion.

A leader chooses their battles. And their words.

A leader knows the weight of words and actions.

High achievers/ high performers do not always equal leaders.

Leaders lead themselves first. Quietly.

A leader does not self-promote.

A leader knows that there is a significant line between authenticity and advertising.

A leader cares about people.

A leader has clear and defined personal boundaries and keeps those boundaries.

    And knows how to honor others boundaries.

A leader knows where they stop and where others start.

A leader holds their hands open to life, trusts details, refuses to control.

A leader asks.

A leader listens.

A leader seeks to understand - always - not just when it benefits their assets or solves a problem. 

A leader is not skilled in the art of assumption or presumption

A leader is a keeper of truth. 

A leader recognizes that they are not the center of the success of everyone/everything around them.

A leader is consistent.

A leader allows themselves to be tired. Done. Weak. Spent.
   And responds accordingly.

A leader unplugs. Often, routinely and completely.

A leader masters time.

A leader has personal values and lives to them.

A leader has emotions. Embraces emotions. Is not ruled by emotions.

A leader knows tears and laughter.

A leader knows failure.

A leader expects mistakes.

A leader does not avoid. Or self-protect.

A leader apologizes.

A leader doesn’t make excuses for self or others.

A leader makes restitution.

A leader admits. Takes responsibility.

A leader embraces the time and variety of processes.

A leader knows when to step back and when to stop leading.  

   And why. 

   And how.

A leader doesn’t expect to have a voice, appreciates when it does, and gives voice to others.

A leader promotes.
   And does not destroy.

A leader embraces.

A leader responds - does not react.

  Even when injustice or abuse is present.

A leader will not allow injustice. And will remove a negative force. Or remove themselves from it.

A leader protects the defenseless.

A leader seeks out wisdom. And a guide. And those who can lead them further than they are.
      And recognizes that they can only take someone as far as they have already gone.

A leader has a variety of influencers, knowledge and life experiences.

A leader recognizes power and uses it judiciously.

A leader exercises authority only when needed. Never demands.

A leader never expects privilege or perks.

A leader follows. The best leaders FOLLOW as a practice, building it generously into their lifestyle.

A leader works shoulder to shoulder. Not just with those they lead or follow. They put themselves in situations where equality is the only way.

A leader proves It not. 

   (It being anything we try to prove. )

A leader recognizes that the way they see the world is only one way to see the world.

A leader honors others view of the world, beliefs, faith, desires, journeys.

A leader takes steps back and evaluates routinely.

A leader knows quiet.

A leader knows solitude.

    And practice. A leader practices. Without pomp. For personal benefit. Practice. Practice.        Practice.

    (And does not speak on what they do not practice. )

A leader respects. 

A leader always believes the best. 

      And allows a belief in "best" to define responses to self and others.

A leader anticipates others and doesn’t make others anticipate them.

A leader does not use people. Does not manipulate. Is not aggressive nor passive aggressive.

A leader isn’t necessarily a thought leader, but they create space for those that are... and pathways and opportunity.

A leader gives others credit.

A leader communicates. 

   What is needed. 

   When it is needed. 

   To whom it is needed.

A leader does not over-share.

A leader knows when to say yes. When to say no.

A leader knows when to stay silent.

A leader knows when to go and when to stay.

A leader knows when to lead loud or quiet, from the front, rear or middle, firmly or gently, subtle or overt.

A leader doesn’t sit when it is their time to stand.

A leader exemplifies basic humanity at. All. Times.

A leader is self-aware. But not too much.

A leader knows what to pick up and what to put down.

A leader knows when to move and when to wait.

A leader will not allow the almighty dollar to rule decisions.

A leader knows their journey of arrival 

    and knows it never ends. 

A leader has a tender appreciation for timing.

   They do not force. Or quit. 

   A leader knows the difference between quitting and stopping.

A leader recognizes and appreciates seasons.

A leader IS. Plain and simple. They shapeshift, change the world and reform culture merely by existing.  No pretense. No forcing. No preconceived ideas, ulterior motives or hidden agendas. They step off the stage… even when they have something to say. Because they realize that everyone, everywhere has something to say.