Callan…Coffee…Contemplation for the Week of October 20th

Fortitude

That great leadership is the by-product of a life-long journey is most prominently illustrated in the study of history. If one studies the life of any truly significant leader from the past, it becomes clear their individual journey was not only necessary in forging who they ultimately became, but more so, the journey was their destiny. Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Gandhi, King—these great leaders are revered less for what they actually discovered at the end of their personal journey and more for the quality and texture of their character sustaining them through their trials. The common thread, it seems to me, the element allowing each to not only survive the crucible but to emerge stronger and more vital, was fortitude. Their ingenuity, hardiness, grit, and perseverance became the sturdy stock allowing they to risk greatly, and to bear with dignity the very real chance of complete failure. What we discover as leaders is the journey, understood correctly, is  the necessary handmaiden of our destiny. And it is our fortitude, keeping us resolutely on the path, which defines who we become and to what purpose we devote our life’s energy.

Students of Leadership

A necessary means to stay vital as a leader is to be a life-long student of leadership. The necessity of learning is bound to the fact that leadership is a master craft, and like other master craftsman, we too must constantly hone and perfect our craft. Learning provides a depth and texture to the student as we are availed to broader horizons, better questions, and more vexing challenges forcing us to wrestle with these issues and then appropriate the truths of leadership ourselves. And though it is admittedly important to learn the facts of leadership, an equal, if not more important, gain is what we absorb via the process of learning, which is: self discipline and conviction. When we commit to life-long learning, and purposely apportion time for study and reflection, we are in fact building the muscles of discipline and conviction within our character. And with these traits, when we step into the arena of actual leadership, we will find the inner strength to see challenges through to their necessary end.

No Game Seven Heroics

We often make the mistake of thinking great leadership only comes at momentous occasions like epic battles, tide-turning decisions, or game seven magic. The reality is, most of us will not be called to lead on the national stage or under the bright lights. Our game seven will be played each day far from the big stage and our moments of leadership affect will be drawn through a life devoted to making small things better. But we should never underestimate the real leadership gold embedded in ordinary opportunities. History teaches us it is often the diligent work of dedicated leaders, far removed from the grand stage but making subtle differences, who gradually bend the arc of history and bring about needed change. We can never predict the challenge to be laid before us, the timing of its arrival, or the extent of its value. Instead, we must trust that right action is necessary, in any place and any time, and then trust that our actions, our purposes, and our aspirations have value. We may never pitch in the ninth inning of game seven, but we can always be on the field contributing, where ever the ball is hit.

Deep End of the Pool

A great question leaders should ask is, “What draws people to your organization?” The answer to this will reveal a lot about who we are. What I discovered from my life-changing experience as a US Marine is this fact of talent: Self-motivated people are highly attracted to organizations with a reputation for high standards, elite performance, selectivity, and world-class results. Champions want to swim in the deep end of the pool. Highly motivated people, those with a deep inner drive to excel and be part of greatness, are drawn to highest standards of excellence. Yes, these high standards are much more challenging and difficult, but that is exactly what attracts champions. Too often, organizations reduce standards in an effort to find more people. Great organizations never step on that slippery slope. Leaders must protect their reputation of excellence as a unassailable, non-negotiable cornerstone, for in the long run it is this elite reputation that, like a beacon, draws the best and brightest to you. Champions seek the deep end of the pool.

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