Callan…Coffee…Contemplation for the Week of June 22nd
Choices
Watch the nightly news and its easy to become cynical about our modern world. Lots of problems, chaos, strife, and confusion in terms of standards of behavior. What is the answer to this modern maelstrom? Choices. When we choose well, our choice redeems both our own lives and redeems the path of those we lead. Yes, we can and often do drift off course. The question therefore isn’t, “Why did this happen?” The question is: what better choices can I make now to redeem the path? If our personal behavior and attitude are the problem, then choose better. If our group’s performance and behavior are the problem, then demand they choose better. Standards and accountability. When we look at history we see the fatefulness of choices ripple throughout time. Lincoln, MLK, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, or young Malala Yousafzai; their choices redeemed themselves and redeemed their groups. We are often on the wrong path, but there is always time to get back on the right path if we choose well. The path can be lost, but it can also be redeemed.
Going In, Moving Out
A cornerstone principle in my leadership philosophy is the paramountcy of self leadership. We can only lead others when we’ve learned to lead ourselves. We must first sculpt inner character and a moral foundation before we can resonate with others. Thus, the first crucial movement in leadership is inward; going deep within ourselves to develop character and excellence. And though going inward is the necessary first move, it is not the final end state. To become wise and significant we must next move outward and upward–into community. Why? Because it is in community, in shared ethos, where the fullness of our character, the steel of our will, and our moral texture is made. Once we have cultivated self mastery we must then find a place in community to pull us towards commitment to something beyond ourselves. Only communities can do this because they provide a way to find communion with others. Great leaders move inward first, but then move outward, and upward. They reorient themselves to higher purpose, elevated meaning, and ultimately, to significance within the context of community.
Neither Expedient Nor Assured
If not careful, we can adopt a fatal flaw in perceiving leadership that goes like this: I am, therefore I lead. Some mistakenly believe that if they hold a position, title, or rank, that attainment itself will confer and convey leadership. On the surface, maybe. In affect, hardly. Here’s a brutally honest truth of gaining leadership excellence: It is neither expedient nor assured. Greatness–true and lasting excellence–defies instant gratification or any guarantee of success. Why is this insight so important? Because it teaches us the timeless wisdom of the journey; that each person must be willing to work hard, persevere, apply grit and determination, and remain resolute in purpose. We’d like to think we can somehow avoid this hard path, hoping technology will alleviate the crucible of tests and trials. Yet no matter how much we may try to truncate the path, the path prevails and teaches us again its timeless lesson: Becoming a great leader may be our destination, but the journey is our destiny. Greatness is never free, inescapable, or decreed. It is earned through earnestness to the task at hand and faithfulness to the course before us.
Mentors
They guide.
They inspire.
They teach.
They coach.
They listen.
They advise.
They counsel.
They lead.
That is all.
That is everything.
Things That Don’t Get Lost
The older I get and the longer I lead, the more I cherish things that don’t get lost.
- Camaraderie.
- Companionship.
- Esprit.
- Mutual Affection.
- Soulful bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
We may lose touch with those we once led or followed, but we are forever united in our shared memories.
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