British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”
Far too many would-be leaders try to impress others with how much they know in an attempt to earn respect. True respect is earned from an inner strength that allows leaders to be less concerned about impressing others and more concerned about finding and building on the gifts of those they lead. The best leaders don’t even attempt to play all the instruments; they orchestrate the gifts of their team in a soaring symphony of excellence.
The leaders you remember the most are those who believed in you before you believed in yourself. They gave you significant responsibility and empowered you to make a difference. They gave you the credit and were ready to take the blame when mistakes occurred. This week, as we celebrate Labor Day, let us acknowledge the gifts of those who serve us. What ‘riches” do you need to acknowledge this week? Holidays are wonderful, but a compliment from a leader you respect can be appreciated for a lifetime.
What do you think?
(Source: British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, in Mark Sanborn, You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader, Waterbrook Press, Colorado Springs, CO, 2006, p. 54)
Comments