First Things First and a Definition of Leadership
by Bob Martin ~ July 21st, 2007. Filed under: Education, Leadership, Learning, Tipping Points, Training.Authority vs. Leadership
We often think that by giving someone the authority to produce progress that we will have progress. When there is progress, leadership at some level is involved. When there is no progress, then what we have is authority which is fearful, lacking in imagination and often suppressive.
It is reasonable to think that if what we want to do is to produce a positive impact on the world, it will require us to set up a couple of rules, benchmarks or guidelines to help us get the job done.
- What should the end result look like
- How long should it take
- A means for maintaining focus
These are basic and I am certain that you can add to this list. (please feel free to add your comments)
So, today, the questions I find myself asking are
Why is it that many of the people uprooted from Katrina have not had their lives mended
? (Photo by Lee Celano for The New York Times)
With out taking a pro or con view towards the war in Iraq, what was 550 billion dollars used for?
20% of all citizen of the United States are without health Insurance? There are many more examples.
Jack of All Trades, Master of None
The sky is not falling, but we have been lazy when it comes to getting something done. Recently we’ve shifted focus rapidly from “Darfur”,” The Environment”, “The War on Terror” , “Elections in Palestine”, “Saving Africa”, “Saving Coal Mines”, “Child Obesity”,”Lowering Gas Consumption” and “Steroids In Sports”. At the end of the day, at the end of the month, even at the end of the year, not much has changed.
Repeat after me, I am responsible!
When I have too many things on my plate and I am not able to focus on what I truly want, I am in essence creating a plan to do nothing. However when I am absolutely clear and focused, I am able to complete what needs to be completed. I can then serve others with certainty, care and with vision.
“Everybody can’t do everything but everybody can do something. If everybody does their one thing everything will get done.”
I am responsible for getting at least my one thing done everyday!
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