No Leader Can Stand Alone
One of the greatest untruthful suggestions of the industrial era is that leaders lead alone. Leaders are supposed to have the ideas, the intimidation factor, error-free decision making, a crystal ball … you get the picture. I was once such a hopeful leader. I supposed that I had to have perfect vision and execution and that leadership would come from my own free standing expertise. I was wrong.
Either those last 3 words proves I am not a strong leader or the opposite. I am here to say that I am increasing my strength as a leader because I am increasing my trust in others. I rely on the feedback and criticism of others and in my weekly schedule I take time to listen and open myself to the actual, honest thoughts of people who can see my life and business from a different perspective.
Whom are you sharing your life with? Whom are you sharing your ideas with? If you are isolated you will certainly fail to reach your greatest potential. Anyone with experience with campfires knows that one log does not burn by itself, it will burn itself out. Gather around you a group of women and men who have the guts to tell it like it is with the sole purpose of making you better. That group will help you find the inner strengths that would be very difficult to find and exercise on your own. Together you will succeed but no leader can stand alone.
Bill, this is so true. A leader who can inspire, who has vision, and who has “leadership courage”, cannot accomplish anything unless they surround themselves with a diverse group of people who want to be inspired and are willing to break through walls of fire for their leader. I alone have accomplished very little. However, what I have accomplished with talented teams of people, makes me very proud.
Well said Kevin.
No one should stand alone – ever.
How can a leader actually lead ANYONE if he stands alone?