Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength

Attributed to both Saint Francis de Sales and Ralph W. Sockman

Great leaders make it about others, not themselves

From a radio programme on business leadership.

1. Be sensitive to followers;
2. Be positive and inspirational;
3. Treat followers with respect;
4. Work hard for the group;
5. Meet or exceed followers’ expectations;
6. Support followers;
7. Don’t be overbearing or arrogant.

Prof Haslam said leaders gain power and hold power not by being rough and tough, but by being recognised as one of the people. Leadership is a process of “social identity management” that counts on a leader’s ability to create in followers a sense of being “special” and a feeling of belonging to the group, he said.

They also, however, tend to follow a familiar trajectory, said Prof Reicher. Early success as a popular leader often begins to make them think they know better and have all the answers, in effect losing contact with the group. “Leadership has a shelf life. The risk is they begin to believe in themselves, and lose the sense of us.”

From the Irish Times.

Beginner:doesn’t know what he’s doing

Intermediate: thinks he knows what he’s doing

Advanced: knows what he’s doing

Beyond advanced: “What is this thinking business, you over-analyze everything, feel what you are doing.”