Spirit of Leadership

WHAT IS A TRUE LEADER? Her work expanded beyond India to other nations of the world, influencing hundreds of thousands of people to join in her vision. She believed in the difference that one person could make in the world, saying, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one,” and “Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand.” 13 Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and continued her work until her death in the 1990s. Mother Teresa encouraged others, “Do not wait for lead ers; do it alone, person to person.” 14 This statement seems to sum up her purpose, passion, and inspiration: In not wait ing for leaders to initiate programs or other people to act when there was a real need, but instead doing what she per sonally could do to help, Mother Teresa became a leader herself. She influenced numerous others to awaken their own leadership gifts and, in so doing, multiplied her effec tiveness thousands of times over. Again, we note that true leaders do not seek followers, but their passionate pursuit of their purposes and convictions inspire others to follow them in their declared vision. “D O NOT WAIT FOR LEADERS ; DO IT ALONE , PERSON TO PERSON .”

DISCOVERING YOUR PERSONAL LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL

Mother Teresa’s story reemphasizes this important truth in regard to leadership: We must remember that, while lead ers have followers, having followers is not a prerequisite for being a leader. The demands of leadership may require that you stand alone in the face of conflict, public opinion,

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