Leadership must be based on goodwill. Goodwill does not mean posturing and, least of all, pandering to the mob. It means obvious and wholehearted commitment to helping followers. We are tired of leaders we fear, tired of leaders we love, and most tired of leaders who let us take liberties with them. What we need for leaders are men of the heart who are so helpful that they, in effect, do away with the need of their jobs. But leaders like that are never out of a job, never out of followers. Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away.
VADM James Bond Stockdale
Military Ethics
VADM James Bond Stockdale
Military Ethics
“Machiavelli, Management, and Moral Leadership.” 1987
2 comments:
Hello, Captain!
You know, your blog is pretty amazing. I love the subject of leadership and followership; how the two are so alike, there is almost no distinguishing between them. One verse in the Bible sums this up of Christ: "For Christ did not come into this world to be served, but to serve." Yet Christ is our shepherd, and we his sheep; we follow him, and he protects us and guides us. The Bible has many lessons in leadership, if you know where to look for them. Thanks so much,
Cat
Wow, what a profound statement. At a time at the shelter when direction and leadership is lacking, this specific quote is extremely inspirational.
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