Aug 14, 2019

The Two Rules of Great Leadership

Updated: Oct 3, 2023

Rule #1. It’s not about you, it’s about the people

The best leaders do not create more followers, they create more leaders.

Eleanor Roosevelt.

A good leader can inspire people to have confidence in the leader

A great leader can inspire people to have confidence in themselves

John Maxwell. People follow leaders for a hierarchy of reasons;

1. They have to;

2. They Like you;

3. They know you can deliver;

4. You help them grow;

but ultimately when these needs are satisfied, they follow you because…

5. Of who you are and what you represent. Which leads us to…

Rule #2. It’s only about you

Leadership is very simple, It is not about your position, It is about who you are.

Authentic leadership. It’s about being ourselves. Understanding who we are, what we stand for, knowing what our strengths and weaknesses are, and then being transparent (honest), drawing all this together.

But this is not new a Leadership theory

Lao Tzu (4th-6th-century BC). Mastering others is strength; Mastering yourself is true power.

Cicero (1st century BC). The Enemy is within the gates.

Jesus (You know when). Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Abraham Lincoln. With public sentiment, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.

Nelson Mandella. I couldn’t change others, until I changed myself.

Warren Hollings. “A true leader, as they mould the team together, is constantly aware of the value of the individual as well as the needs of the team. Find the Diamond in the rough.”

(from Stand and Deliver. Leadership and the power of teamwork)

Maybe it’s time to start listening to what has already been said about leadership?