“You manage things. You lead people.”
~ Admiral Grace Hopper
Good morning friends, and happy Monday. I can’t help but notice the big “V” in the sunrise this morning. For me, it’s symbolizing “V” for “Victorious”. I have a feeling this is going to be a highly creative & successful week for many of us … It’s in the atmosphere … I just feel it <3
So last night, I watched a truly heart-warming movie on Netflix called “Camp”. Inspired by true stories from camps for abused and neglected children, the movie shares a moving tale of hope and unconditional love. The main storyline surrounds a hotshot investment banker, Ken, who volunteers as a camp counselor to impress a client, but finds himself paired with an angry, troubled 10-year-old camper named Eli.
As I watched the movie, I couldn’t help but compare Ken’s successes and failures as a counselor to Napoleon Hill’s lists on Leadership. And as we think about leadership by consent, and leadership by force, this movie drives home the message that leadership by force cannot endure.
And sure enough, counselor Ken finds he has to move from a place of demanding obedience to compassionate understanding in order to get Eli to open up. In the end, with tears dripping down my cheek, I couldn’t help but think how much I could offer to troubled teens by teaching the secrets to success found in this much loved book I’m holding …
So we’ve learned yesterday what works in terms of successful leadership. But what doesn’t work so well? Hill lists the ten major causes of failure in leadership, and not all of them are the antonym of the equivalent success …
The 10 Major Causes of Failure in Leadership
———————–
1. Inability to organize details.
– Never be “to busy” to change your plans or give attention to emergencies, or else you are admitting your inefficiency.
2. Unwillingness to render humble service.
– Be willing to perform any service the job entails. “The greatest among ye shall be the servant to all.”
3. Expectations of pay for what you “know”.
– We get paid for what we “do” with what we “know”.
4. Fear of competition from followers.
– It is an eternal truth that leaders receive more pay for their ability to get others to perform then they could possibly earn by their efforts alone.
5. Lack of imagination.
– Without imagination, the leader is incapable of meeting emergencies.
6. Selfishness.
– Really great leaders claim none of the honors. They recognize that most people will work harder for commendation and recognition than they will for money alone. Offer compliments and praise !!!
7. Intemperance.
– Followers do not respect leaders with a bad temper, and it destroys the endurance and vitality of those who indulge in it.
8. Disloyalty.
– We must be loyal to our duty, and those above and below us. Disloyalty marks you as being less than the dust of the earth, and it will bring the contempt it deserves.
9. Emphasis on the “authority” of leadership.
– Efficient leaders lead by encouraging, not by trying to instill fear in the hearts of those who follow. If you are a real leader, you will not need to advertise your status. It will be apparent in your conduct – by your sympathy, understanding, fairness, and a demonstration that you know your job.
10. Emphasis of title.
– The doors to the office of the real leader are open to all, and free from formality or ostentation.
More powerful stuff !!! No doubt this list deserves being read time and time again.
Here’s 25 Top Leadership Quotes by some of the greatest leaders of all time:
http://thomrainer.com/2013/10/09/top-25-leadership-quotes/
Why not find a quote that works for you as a leader, and post it where you can see it. It’ll help you remember what it takes to rise to the top and encourage people to work with you ….
“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”
~ Sam Walton
