"Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared*.
During my parents’ lifetime, a leader said,
“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”
That leader had a vision of freedom for his country; not just freedom from foreign rule but freedom in the broadest sense of the word.
This leader inspired the people of his country with quotes such as,
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
This leader’s motto was:
“Simple Living, High Thinking”
This leader lived a life of peace and demanded the same from his followers. He encouraged non-violent civil disobedience from foreign authority he believed was unnecessary and unjust. He asked his people to refrain from retaliating when they were attacked with physical force.
His people rallied and followed his Vision and his guidance.
He lived to see his country of 300,000,000 people freed from foreign rule.
This leader was Mahatma Gandhi.
***
Now, that is a summary of the amazing achievement of a 20th Century leader.
The historical record confirms the details of a leader who, with Vision, set the global standard for peaceful human relations, and freed an entire nation.
***
Now, such an extreme example of pacifistic leadership is unusual.
Regardless, we can benefit from understanding the following about Mahatma Gandhi:
- He had a Vision – freeing the 300,000,000 people of his country
- He clearly communicated that Vision – his people knew exactly what he envisioned
- He led by example – his peaceful demonstrations and his hunger strikes setting examples for all
Footnote:
- "Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared. That’s the title of the 2nd workshop in our 6-workshop Leaders’ Academy series.
Reader comments (3)
Comments from the original blog platform, 2008–2021.
Ron Beveridge ·
This is compelling and persuasive Thought Post for it illustrates how one man's vision and resolute determination, ultimately forced the British to surrender their colonial rule of India. Throughout history, we see how visionary leaders, in any field of endeavour, have won the day. They realize their dream by capturing the imagination of many others - despite strong, entrenched opposition.
Activestor Thoughts ·
Invigorating Imagination Invigorating Imagination
Rick Baker's Thoughts ·
Thought Tweet #476 Thought Tweet #476