Spirit of Leadership

THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP problems by himself, seek better ways of performing tasks or improving systems, or understand that part of man agement is pushing the boundaries and exploring new concepts and ideas. He just does as he’s told and doesn’t disturb policy or challenge old, outdated methods. That’s not leadership. In essence, there are some unique attitudes of leaders that distinguish them from followers, and these attitudes produce certain behaviors that stretch the leader beyond the limitations of the norm. It is these attitudes that we will explore and call the “spirit of leadership.” Therefore, being in the position of a follower doesn’t negate your inherent leadership potential. Knowing and cultivating certain atti tudes about yourself will give you the mind-set you need to develop your leadership potential to the fullest and fulfill what you were born to do. A NATURAL INSTINCT FOR LEADERSHIP Though we often don’t recognize it for what it is, every human on this planet has a natural inclination for leader ship, in one form or another. As birds have an instinct to fly and fish have an instinct to swim, humans have an instinct to be in control of their lives, circumstances, decisions, or environments. When we aren’t in control, we want to be. Perhaps this is why the natural human instinct or response is frustration, depression, discomfort, or even psychological and physical illness when we are under the control of creditors, banking institutions, or even friends to whom we have obligations. It is because our circumstances are dominating us, and our spiritual, psychological, and

34