KevinTest
Why do we lead?
This will mark the second time today and the fourth time in the past two days I have started, renamed and changed this article in an attempt to get my point across. I realize that in December of 2012 I authored a very tongue in cheek article about “Why would someone want to be a leader?” However, this time, I am seriously asking the question “Why do you lead?”
What deep down causes you or gives you the need or the drive to lead. I don’t think I am talking to business owners because their leadership drives the bottom line. I think I am talking to normal guys like you and like me, fathers, 9-5-ers, husbands, and weekend warriors. Why do you do the things you do?
I don’t want to blow my own horn here. I mean to be as humble as possible. But I try to set the right example for my kids. I try to be the leader I think they deserve and want or need. What I mean by all that is, if someone needs help and I am able to provide it, I try to help them. Everything from running to the dance studio at 9:00 pm because a mother has left her dome light on and her car battery is dead, or if one of our elders has trouble getting from the car to door of the church, or if my neighbor who had a stroke years ago, needs help around the house.
But I have realized that I may do these things for selfish reasons. I feel as though in my head, I would want someone to help my family if I was not available. Maybe it is also a little pay it forward as there are folks out there that have helped me in the past.
I heard once, that true character, was the act of doing something for someone who could never repay you. I wonder, could I change that a little bit, to suit leadership? Say, “True leadership is the act of offering your time and talents to any willing to accept it or those that need it”.
So I ask again, why do you lead? There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? It seems 9 times out of 10, you are nourishing a flower you may never see bloom.
Why do you want to lead? Why did you want to assume a position of leadership?
There are some fundamental questions. Is it a matter of completing a resume? Is it ego? Is it a matter of expectations – yours or others? Is it a matter of power and authority? These questions matter to the people who are led, but they also are of prime importance to the person leading. What is it that drives you to lead?
Leadership is important in all of our lives – personally, nationally, and professionally. Why and how people become leaders are important issues to ponder because principles are vital in leadership. The principles that we hold will focus our perspective and vision. The lens through which we see leadership defines how we will behave.
I am interested in why any and all would lead. And maybe I am referencing leadership actions, maybe, but I am not sure. I just want to make sure when someone sees what I do they either want to be a part of what I am doing or want to help me do it.
Leave me a comment below. Even if you normally don’t do that. I am really looking for some insight into the heads and hearts of other leaders.
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Seriously, why do we lead?: Why do we lead?
This will mark the second time today and the fourth time in the… http://t.co/XpboaSZ7CU
I was raised to lead. It was not an option. So, in reality, I don’t know any other way of living. It is something that is as natural as breathing in and breathing out. That doesn’t mean that I am necessarily good at it, per se. I am just telling you that it comes naturally or was taught to me at a very young age.
Kevin, I think being brought up that way is great. But I still believe it is a choice, consciously or subconsciously you decide everyday to lead or to follow. Thankfully for some of us, everyday you choose to lead. Thanks.
I was taught that if I’m able to offer something to someone in need, it was the right thing to do. Like you, I want what’s best for my kids and if I have learned anything in life, it’s a moral necessity to pass that on to them. They may not always appreciate it, but my responsibility is to lead them as best as I can.
Thanks for the comment Dan, how do figure out the needs? Are you prepared for them to not accept it or not be appreciative? I agree it is our responsibility, but what about when your kids make it a struggle to lead them?
Wow…very nicely said. I have been a Middle School Volunteer Youth leader for at least the last 15 years through my church. And I took on a group of 6th grade boys 5 years ago and have been leading/mentoring them for the last 5 years. They will be juniors next year so I have 2 more years with them before they graduate. This past year they took on leadership of their own group with me just as an advisory…but always present. That is so cool and something I missed when I was their age. Why do I do it? Because I felt God called me to do it. And what is my reward? I am starting to see Heaven on Earth through my young men and their outlook on the future.
Paul Thanks for your praise. You are a true hero and a gift to those you mentor. I expect there is a special place in Heaven for people like you. Teachers and Youth volunteers hold a special place in my heart as there were a few that helped me more than they will ever know.
I feel that if I hadn’t had the leadership or mentoring that was provided to me as a young man, I wouldn’t be in my position today. Therefore I try and “lead” as much as I can so hopefully I can impact others as well as my children to live a life of integrity.
Scott you are still a young man, and we see the fruits of your labor every Sunday morning. Rest assured you are doing it right, keep it up.
@LeadershipIs Real leadership is investing in the lives of others that they may become all God intends. Anything else often is manipulation.
I really don’t consider myself that much a leader. At best I think I lead by example. I have 5 boys & I’m trying my best to raise them to be Godly men. Part of that process is to serve others, because it’s the right thing to do. Part of it is being involved in a bible believing church. Another part is proper discipline. Top that all off with a lot of love. Why am I trying to do this? Because that’s what God called me to do. Don’t be deceived, I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I do the best that I can.
Gary, you sell yourself a little short. You are an amazing leader when one takes a look at your life and your family. Keep on keeping on!
Gary, I would tend to lean toward Kevin’s description maybe more than yours. However, Why is it the right thing to do? I am glad to hear God has called you to Lead. As the father of three girls and the grand father of three more, I am glad there are godly men raising godly sons.
I think everyone fluctuates between “leadership” and “support” positions in life. I am generally comfortable in either scenario, but what I think the aspect of variance that drives me to go from “support” to active “leading” is that I become impatient with a perceived outcome. If I’m not happy with a direction, especially the older I get, the more I am noticing I start to drive actions. Not sure how well that ties into the article, but it’s what popped into my head when I read it.
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