Creeping into American culture (especially political culture) is the idea that if someone is monetarily rich they are automatically qualified to lead significant parts of society. The theory goes that if they have been skilled enough to amass currency, stocks and bonds. . .then they certainly are qualified to warrant the following of the masses.
Let me be very clear on two things: I don't think that having a lot of money is a bad thing - in fact, it often is a very good thing. I also don't think that having a lot of money automatically qualifies someone to take a position of leadership.
Yet, I believe that leaders need to be wealthy. . .
Leaders need to have significant internal fortitude and organic confidence so that they are not shaken by every perceived slight. . .or everything that goes wrong.
Leaders need to be rich in relationships. . .with their peers, with their bosses, with those they have the privilege of leading.
A wealth of knowledge. . .and the desire to learn more is key for leadership.
People that others want to follow have an abundance of respect for diversity. . .this not only includes racial, religious, sexual orientation, etc. . .but it includes the multiple layers of economic diversity. And by respect, I mean the ability to understand, or at least want to understand, how others live and how others think. This is essential for a strong team and a strong society.
Leaders are rich in empathy.
Strong leaders have huge vaults of compassion, integrity, honesty. . .and most of all, selflessness that are available to use on demand.
Strong leaders are wealthy in emotional intelligence.
Like it? Share it!
My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.
No comments:
Post a Comment