Leadership requires someone who can lead- and at least one person who can follow. It does not require exhortation. It requires someone with a vision, a goal, and a direction- and the ability to communicate that vision so that others feel compelled to join in the quest.
There is always an argument whether leaders are born or trained. I don’t have that answer. Because I think that’s the wrong question. We all can be leaders- and we all should be followers. Because even a leader knows he can’t do everything perfectly and it is best to have those who can excellently achieve a task take the lead.
No, the question is not whether leaders are born or trained. It’s being the best leader we can be- or the best follower to those causes we’ve learned about from others. Each of us have different traits- so that certain things come easier or harder to each of us. But, there is one skill we all need to “be all we can be”. It’s communication. I don’t mean talking. It’s more than that.
We need to understand that each individual has honor and dignity. Developing your modes of communication with that person on that level is not only crucial- it’s the only way one should ever attempt to communicate.
That also means we can’t regard ourselves as the only important person in the world. Our ability to self-absorb is one of the traits that seems to be prevalent in this modern world of ours. And, without picking on our elected representatives as the only ones (trust me, they’re not), they are easy examples to choose.
The primary method with which we communicate is to notice and focus. We have to notice the abilities in others. We have to focus on them. Our egos should be secondary, their needs need to be the primary concern. If their needs are met, they will help us meet ours. It’s something lacking in Washington, in Richmond, in Lansing (do I have to list each state capital?)- and explains the concept behind the current “political compromise” position that prevails. “Let’s compromise- do what I want!”
One of the best ways to insure that we can hone this communication skill is to spend 15 to 30 minutes a day devoted to the needs of others. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Make phone calls to those who are unable to leave their home, letting them know that someone cares about them. See a homeless person on the street and say hello, offer them coffee, let them know they matter. (As a side benefit, this may be the human contact they need to change their lives.)
It’s a new secular year. This would be a great project- not only to help you communicate, but to leave this world in a better place, each and every day.
How are YOU?
Right after I reviewed this post in my queue this morning (as I do for each post about to see the light of day), I read the New York Times. David Brooks offers a different facet of this same concept. Here is his take.
This is so great, Roy. I have always been a big proponent of good communication, but this post highlighted some things that I have not really considered. I love your suggestion to spend 15 – 30 minutes every day devoted to the needs of others. I know that a lot of business owners read your blog, so that would be great advice for anyone running a business as well. Thanks for posting.
Amy Putkonen recently posted..The Study of Stillness: Part 2
Thanks, Amy!
I am so glad that you liked this- and, yes, the goal was to have folks really understand how their communication sets their ability to lead. It’s not talking at, but discussing with and agreeing that leads to the great results.
I agree that communication is THE key to functioning in the world around us. We communicate in writing, with words and with gestures and body language.
People won’t care about what leaders have to say until they believe the person that is leading cares about them and is acting in their best interest.
I like what you said….notice and focus.
Great post, Roy.
Janette Fuller recently posted..Book Review: Baby Laughs by Jenny McCarthy
Your second sentence is divine, Janet! That has to be the key to getting all of us to work together.
I believe we are leaders each moment, especially as business owners, entrepreneurs, writers, poets, entertainers, in all walks of life–not for only 15-30 minutes devotional time, although a great start to get in the groove of becoming a leader, if that’s what someone needs. Communication is definitely more than just words; it’s the actions that accompany them, too. Great food for thought on how we actually talk to and with each other.
I wasn’t trying to imply that the short period of service would yield the only communication. But, it serves to remind us daily of those little things that make a difference. It’s like a booster shot to keep us going – at full peak- all day, PeggyLee.
Thanks for the visit AND the comment.
Your opening reminded me of the army of Oogaboo, where Queen Ann raised an army of brave officers who commanded each other right doiwn to the single Private who had to do all the actual fighting (until he resigned because he refused to rough up a “lady” (actually, a female flower). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oogaboo
David Leonhardt recently posted..Happy New Year
Another Frank Baum devotee! I love it, David.
Thanks for the ocmment, the visit, and the reference!
I love this post Roy, and will check out the other post you suggest as well. You know communication is a thing I encourage, as well as education. Getting out there, in life and on the internet and helping others rather than getting ready to pounce on others is a great way to open your heart, mind, and hone your skills as a leader and communicator. We are the few but we are strong. Thank you!
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Going Home by Lisa Brandel
I am glad that I had the chance to communicate with you, Lisa!
Thanks for the visit and the comment.
Though this is quite different in theme from Roy Ackerman’s piece, another look at communication, is given in a book called “the first word” by Christine Kenneally, where in she writes on the origin of language from the neurological point of view, complete with comparisons with various animal and human communication strategies.
Love this call to action, Roy! For some reason, no matter how much we talk about the fact that humans need to be adaptable, we still get stuck in strict definitions. It makes so much sense that we should be both leaders and followers when appropriate, but I needed you to point that out for me! An eye opener for sure. Thanks, Roy. =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Passion That Resurfaces
Glad to oblige, Samantha.
It’s so easy to pigeonhole ourselves and others- and then lose out on the talents that obtain in various organizations, groups, and causes.