Most wouldn’t know a leader if they saw one
Most of the ladies and gentlemen who mourn the passing of the nation’s leaders wouldn’t know a leader if they saw one. If they had the bad luck to come across a leader, they would find out that he might demand something from them, and this impertinence would put an abrupt and indignant end to their wish for his return.  ~ Lewis H. Lapham
Isn’t that the truth… I love that quote. Leaders - real leaders -ask change of us, ask growth of us, ask us to be or do more than we currently are being and doing. Far too many who clamor for leadership really only want someone fix and change others - while leaving them alone. After all, they reason ,they aren’t the problem.Â
If someone actually had the audacity to suggest they needed to do something, change something, or work to increase their competence and results …they would sadly attack that person’s competence.Â
It’s so good - let’s read it again! Most of the ladies and gentlemen who mourn the passing of the nation’s leaders wouldn’t know a leader if they saw one. If they had the bad luck to come across a leader, they would find out that he might demand something from them, and this impertinence would put an abrupt and indignant end to their wish for his return.  ~ Lewis H. Lapham
I don’t just want to be a good leader… I want to know them when I see them. And I don’t just want to see them, but to seek them….because it may only be possible for me to reach my full potential with the rare gift of their candid feedback, encouragement and insight.  I need great leaders asking me to hard things so I can do the hard thing of becoming of a greater leader.Â
Kirk Out
August 18th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Good stuff Kirk, keep rolling!!!
August 18th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Hey Kirk,
Hope all is well with you and your family. Thanks for the words of encouragement on leadership.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Hey Kirk,
I LOVED this post! It couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time for me. I am a First Lieutenant in the Air National Guard. I struggle often with finding good, solid leaders to shadow. In essence, we (the military leaders) are asking people to give up their life when called upon. It TAKES leadership in order for people to give you that type of sacrifice. You HAVE to inspire, lead, and mentor them! How else are you going to get them to agree to that sort of deal?
In my 13 years of being in the military, I’ve really only had 3 people who’ve profoundly impacted me and my point of view. Just recently I found out one of those 3, whom I call my mentor, could potentially depart my unit. Saddened by his decision, and somewhat fearful that my success and my unit’s success would suffer, I decided to let this Colonel know what I thought of his decision. I explained to him that he is truly unique..one of those leaders whom expects a lot, cares a lot, and gives a lot. People watch him and his demeanor when he walks in the room because he exudes leadership. Some people avoid him because they feel they couldn’t ever make him happy. And then there are others, like me, who relish at the thought of having a deep discussion about what he’s learned, seen, and foresees in the future. I told him he is unique and his mission/job is not yet over where he is! I feel as though I have so much to learn from him.
I don’t know if he’ll depart or not. I was hoping my email would encourage him to stick around. It probably won’t. He says there are good leaders in our unit, but where are they? Why can’t I see them? Will they rise up at his absence? Will someone be there to help me reach my full potential? I sure hope so…I guess we’ll have to wait and see…
Thanks for the post. It initiated a very candid conversation between a Lieutenant and a Colonel, with a shard mission and both wanting the same thing… affirmation we’re impacting people’s lives. I want my affirmation from my leaders, he wants his affirmation from his followers.
Thanks…LT