Tuesday, January 14, 2014

A Leader's Attitude

As I was praying over my son before dropping him off at school this morning, I heard myself say, "And, Father, give Ethan a leader's attitude..."  I had never remembered using those actual words before in a prayer.  So, it really got me thinking about that phrase - a leader's attitude.  What does that mean?  Well, I knew what it meant for my son in preparation for his day among friends and teachers.  But there is more to the meaning of those words. 
Having the demeanor of a leader contrasts everything bullish and demeaning.  Rather, it reflects a spirit that is very much in tune with the act of leading.  Leaders lead people to a better place.  Breaking it down, leaders lead people...  They don't lead organizations or machines or offices or programs.  They lead the people behind those things.  A real leader rarely forgets about the value of what he or she does.  Leaders lead people.  And, leaders lead people to a better place.  They don't drive them or nag them or brutalize them.  They aren't manipulative with a self-seeking agenda.  No, they lead people to a better place - a better place for the people they are leading more than for the organization or program.  And, leaders expect better, hope for better, envision better, paint a picture of what it means to be better.  Better is significant because it means progress, movement in the right direction, forward into the potential of those they lead. 
A leader's attitude demonstrates an onward drive while never forgetting what it's all about - leading people.  Never underestimate your attitude as a leader.  It's the very ingredient that is indispensable to the success of what you do.

How is your attitude as a leader?  What steps can you take this week to insure the right attitude among those you lead?

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