A brilliant post. I'll add one point: it could be easy for people on the lower rungs of the corporate ladder to think that an article like this doesn't apply to them, and yet, whoever we are, and whatever our position, whenever we stand alongside another, whether they be a colleague, a friend, or a family member, we have the opportunity to use power in positive or destructive ways. And with this in mind, the fine words in this post are relevant to us all. Great article.
James
· 1 year ago
Fantastic. A great reminder of what a true leader should be.
Bob Bickford
· 1 year ago
Dead on. Especially point #4 Lead to Serve. I believe this is one of the quickest ways to determine the authenticity of a leader. If they exist for themselves their leadership will ultimately be compromised, if they seek to serve others they are a leader worth following. Great post!
Peter James
· 1 year ago
I think the greatest leaders know how fleeting their time is. They know they are just a person leading for the benefit of others. They also know that probably always won't be the case. So great leaders lead to serve because they know the day will come when they won't hold the same power they do now. Therefore, they try to leave a legacy of how they would want others to act in their position. They set the example, making them a true leader. Those that lead by power, or by pleasing, never actually become leaders b/c they are usually to busy reacting to lead.
Great post. It is easy to lose touch with yourself when you don't surround yourself with the right people. Iron sharpens Iron right? You can only get cocky and prideful when the people around you are all yes men. Everyone needs a checkman or that one person you mentioned above to keep them grounded, or else how can you know when your getting out of hand. When you are accountable to others for your behavior it will always leave you to ponder how you may let them down when making decisions. Thanks.
You just reminded me of several basic principles of leadership and marriage. Thanks a lot Brett. You're really on fire lately, and I love it. Totally buck, if ya know what I'm sayin'
Joshua Pettigrew
· 1 year ago
"Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely" -Lord Acton
A discussion of power can't pass by without this timeless observation.
Shakeel
· 1 year ago
I was recently thrust into the position of being president of a non-profit corporation that is in serious financial turmoil. I don't want the job, I don't want to keep the job, and I greatest wish is to do the job currectly, steer the ship through the storm, and hand the wheel to someone with more time, energy and patience than I.
I'm asking for opinions -- do you think my deep loathing for this job (because of how passionate I am about doing it right and saving this charity despite how much of my personal time it takes away) is close enough to #4 to insulate me from such things?
Charlie
· 1 year ago
Excellent piece.
GriffisR
· 1 year ago
I didn't get to read all of the comments, but I did read the post. Maybe we should send this to all of our leaders... remind them what the foundation of successful leadership and power is- not that all of them would care, since their salaries are what keep some of them there. Good stuff.
Rich
· 1 year ago
What happened to #5?
GriffisR
· 1 year ago
Sorry to be the pessimist.
Tyler @ Building Camelot
· 1 year ago
I'm with @Corey on this one...this is a great article and every piece of it can be applied in marriage especially when you say: "In reality, the quickest way to gain power may actually be found in giving it away."
That statement is at the heart of being a great husband and father. It's a simple statement but one that I, and I'm sure many other men, struggle to grasp and take to heart on a daily basis.
--TY
Rickey Henderson
· 1 year ago
Awesome article. Rickey commends you sir.
evan mathews
· 1 year ago
Good article. I wish he would have included this observation on power. Leaders who don't understand power usually use most of their power to retain power rather than for the good of their followers. I think one sees this in most political leaders today.
evan mathews
· 1 year ago
one last observation. One of my mentors was a major. He would not eat until all of his men had eaten first and needs were provided. All the guys knew this. He gained respect, loyalty and I guess power by putting his men first.
Great post. I think the destruction starts when you have far too many yes men around you. The one "no person" will soon be discarded as non visionary, non risktaking, non adventerous or whatever.
Nos 3 and 4 are great reminders. Perhaps also Godliness?
Cheers
Sarah
· 1 year ago
This is a phenomenal post. Yes, I am female, but I pass this blog onto my boyfriend, male family and friends, and even the college students I teach. Love you guys. Here's to raising a generation of manly, honorable men!
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-Lord Acton
A discussion of power can't pass by without this timeless observation.
I'm asking for opinions -- do you think my deep loathing for this job (because of how passionate I am about doing it right and saving this charity despite how much of my personal time it takes away) is close enough to #4 to insulate me from such things?
That statement is at the heart of being a great husband and father. It's a simple statement but one that I, and I'm sure many other men, struggle to grasp and take to heart on a daily basis.
--TY
Nos 3 and 4 are great reminders. Perhaps also Godliness?
Cheers