These current passages through our lives, both professional and personal are inevitable and if we really, genuinely profess to enjoy life we have to motivate ourselves and others through the bad times as well as the good. As a leader during the bad times it becomes task number one, but nobody, whoever they are, or however great they think they are is above seeking help in this area. I’m no exception, so I periodically go to some great leadership quotes to find help and inspiration. The first I came across was from Martin Luther King Jr., “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Well Martin certainly lived (and died) to his word but this quote stands the test of time as well as diversity of application. We can all lead a company through the good times but it’s now in, “times of challenge and controversy,” that we as leaders or managers have to rise to the challenge. That is why we were appointed. That is why we find ourselves in the positions that we are in. Not to inflate our egos, play the big, “I am.” But to stand as a reliable rock in the face of adversity. Make informed and tough decisions whilst demonstrating to all of those who depend upon us that they can do just that.
Another perhaps even more relevant comment was from a guy called Philip Armour who was a 19th century American business man. He said, “No general can fight his battles alone. He must depend upon his lieutenants and his success depends upon his ability to select the right man for the right place.”
In my view this one absolutely hits the nail on the head but I know, unfortunately that too many so called leaders would not agree. This quote, to me, is all about true leadership which quickly moves to true team building and subsequent team work. Again any so called leader would disagree because it would impinge upon his will to boost his own ego. For a leader to be successful he has to be able to rely on the skills in selecting and building his team in order that they can operate as a cohesive unit. This is where the skill of the real leader actually lies. This is where a leader should measure his own success, based entirely on the success of his team.
One more quote that fits in well with this view was from Ovid, a Roman poet who was born in 43 B.C. He said, “A ruler should be slow to punish and swift to reward.” Isn’t that all about team maintenance? “Slow to punish?” Doesn’t that refer to a leader who is prepared to delegate to his trusted team members? Whilst at the same time delegating the right to be wrong. No punishment but rather support and guidance.
And the, “swift to reward?” Even if it’s just a, “Thank you guys!” How long do those three words take to utter? How much does it cost to say them? But the value that is placed on them by the team is immeasurable.
So tough times … Tough times for a leader. But these times should be seen as the opportunity to shine in the field of leadership. This is a time when the true leader can prove to his troops that he really is worth the position. Do like I do, take my advice; look at a few quotes by some of the best leaders ITHOE. It certainly helps, and always remember the words of Abraham Lincoln:
“No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent.”