‘So the Three-Circle Model still serves, but the level of understanding and engagement has to be deeper?’
‘That is how I see it. A leader with such a deep understanding – however intuitive – will be able to sense the inspired moment, that window of opportunity that opens up briefly where, if he or she does or says the right thing, the switch is thrown on the electrical circuit and that spiritual energy kicks in that enables people to transcend their previous limits or the ordinary levels of performance in a given field. Speaking from personal experience, those are moments you will remember all your life.’
‘Do they transform or change you?’
‘I wouldn’t say that, but they take you a step or two closer to humility. Contrary to popular belief, it is not things that humiliate you – the failures, the insults, the misfortunes, the petty daily lacerations of the spirit that make you humble, though they have a part to play. No it is the sense of greatness in others and the realization that occasionally you have been the catalyst for locating, releasing and channelling that greatness. All have shared in an experience of glory. It may fade, but it leaves a glow behind.’
A Leader Is Best
When People Are Hardly Aware Of His Or Her
Existence…
Fail to Honour People, And They Will
Fail To Honour You.
But Of A Good Leader, Who Speaks Little,
When The Task Is Accomplished,
The Work Done,
The People Say, ‘We Did This Ourselves’Leonardo da Vinci
Keypoints
Commanders and managers tell people what to do and, if they are wise, leave them as far as possible to decide when, who and where. Leaders also do that, but in addition they answer the why question in a way that satisfies the mind and lifts the spirit.
Leaders sometimes use indirect ways to communicate their sense of purpose. The most important thing is to be clear in your own mind as to what is the compelling purpose of the work you are doing.
All groups and organizations have a spirit, often only revealed in adversity. The chief expression of that spirit is ‘high morale’ – the determined and infectious attitude the team or organization shows towards accomplishing the common task in the teeth of difficulty.
Individuals are not predominantly motivated to meet their own lower or higher needs, as was previously thought. It is true that creating successful teams, achieving ambitious goals and doing good work all meet personal needs at various levels. But what moves us more is love – love of self, love of family, love of social groups who makes us feel that we belong, love of creativity and achievement, love of great and noble causes. The satisfaction of our own higher needs is essentially a by-product.
A leader can sense ‘the inspired moment’ – that time when the right words or actions can trigger off a chain reaction that leads to sustained inspiration. Remember: Not geniuses, but average men and women require profound stimulation, incentive towards creative effort, and the nurture of great hopes.