Leadership

When I was at work today, a package was delivered. In it was a American Native "dream catcher" sent to me by one of the students in a seminar I instructed. When blessed by the tribal medicine man, it will help you achieve your dreams and aspirations. Being a writer, the following words came to mind. I shared them with my department and now I would like to share them with you.

Leadership is an art, not a science. It is not something that can be learned. It is a quality that only a few people have. It is not achieved through the sewing on of stripes or the pinning of medals, but rather by winning the hearts, souls, and minds of those who follow you.

Leadership is setting the example for the young to follow. Not always being the best but always giving your best. And in order to give your best, you must always be willing to do the assignments you so eagerly assign to others.

Leadership is exercising patience, knowing that the learners must learn at their own pace. Never expect too much from your human counterparts, for they are just human.

Leadership is earning respect. This is done through honest communication with your team and treating all members equally. Being approachable with issues and problems and using tact and diplomacy in solving those problems wins a leader high respect.

Leadership is caring. Caring about your fellow man. Caring about his lot in life. Caring whether he is happy or sad, troubled or content.

Leadership is acting. Doing something to make things better for those who follow. Helping them achieve the goals and dreams that have escaped them in the past.

Leadership is knowing that you are human. That no man is perfect. That no one is untouchable. That all men and women are created for a purpose and serve a higher calling than what the human race demands upon them.

Leadership is the ability to relate to your fellow man and move him in ways he never thought he could move and in doing so, winning his loyalty, his heart, his mind, and his soul. It is done through gracious behavior, never through fear and punishment.

A true leader can stand alone on the mountain and still be heard.

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. And to my friend who sent the "dream catcher"...a sincere thanks.

Jonni Joyce