Spirit of Leadership

WHAT IS A TRUE LEADER? percent influence through inspiration . The principal pur suit, therefore, for those who desire and aspire to become effective leaders must be the answer to this question: “How do I inspire and what is the source of inspiration?”

L EADERSHIP IS NOT A PURSUIT BUT A RESULT .

The best way to approach and appreciate the practi cal application of our definition is to start the process at the end of the definition. You will note that the process begins with an individual’s discovery of a personal pur pose that, when captured, ignites a conviction. This con viction generates a vision in the person’s heart that stirs a passion. The force of this person’s passionate pursuit of the vision inspires others, who are stirred to join in and cooperate with the vision. This ultimate effect is called “influence” and results in the followers acknowledging the individual as their “leader.” If inspiration is the key to legitimate influence and thus the source of true leadership, then, again, inspiration should be the pursuit of all true leaders. How do leaders inspire others? What is the source of inspiration? These are the most important questions of leadership, and when you have found the answer to them, then you will have begun to discover your own leadership potential. THE POWER OF PASSION Simply put, the source of inspiration is passion. This component of leadership is the heart of influence and is the generator of the energy and resilience of the leader.

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