Most wouldn’t know a leader if they saw one
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009Most of the ladies and gentlemen who mourn the passing of the nation’s leaders wouldn’t know a leader if they saw one. If they had the bad luck to come across a leader, they would find out that he might demand something from them, and this impertinence would put an abrupt and indignant end to their wish for his return.  ~ Lewis H. Lapham
Isn’t that the truth… I love that quote. Leaders - real leaders -ask change of us, ask growth of us, ask us to be or do more than we currently are being and doing. Far too many who clamor for leadership really only want someone fix and change others - while leaving them alone. After all, they reason ,they aren’t the problem.Â
If someone actually had the audacity to suggest they needed to do something, change something, or work to increase their competence and results …they would sadly attack that person’s competence.Â
It’s so good - let’s read it again! Most of the ladies and gentlemen who mourn the passing of the nation’s leaders wouldn’t know a leader if they saw one. If they had the bad luck to come across a leader, they would find out that he might demand something from them, and this impertinence would put an abrupt and indignant end to their wish for his return.  ~ Lewis H. Lapham
I don’t just want to be a good leader… I want to know them when I see them. And I don’t just want to see them, but to seek them….because it may only be possible for me to reach my full potential with the rare gift of their candid feedback, encouragement and insight.  I need great leaders asking me to hard things so I can do the hard thing of becoming of a greater leader.Â
Kirk Out
