Thoughts on Leadership

Recently I finished reading the book Journey to the Emerald City by Roger Connors and Tom Smith. In the book there was an interesting quote about leaders and leadership. It said, “Leadership is honest motives, conscious thought, and focused effort.” Being interested in leadership, I’ve pondered on this quote and its true meaning. Below are my thoughts.

First, leadership is honest motives. To me this means leaders are sincere, and they do not have to “fake” it. They are committed to the cause, and they are focused on a purpose. Good leaders have a pure intent on accomplishing the end goal of the group, and they will do whatever it takes to get there. To me honest motives equals true commitment and a sincere desire along with a willingness to do whatever the "hard" stuff. Thus it is easy to see how a leader with honest motives can easily motivate those who they are leading. As leaders, do we have honest motives?

Second, conscious thought. Leadership involves making wise, decisive decisions. Leaders must study decisions out in their mind. They must have a knack for sifting through piles of data and then deciphering what will help them and what will hinder them in their decision making. Likewise, as leaders, everything we do, every word we use, and every action we take will be watched closely by those we lead. For this reason good leaders consciously make an effort to always lead by example—because true leaders are always leading. Conscious thought allows leaders to overcome challenges effectively, helping them to quickly continue down the correct path. Are we consciously striving to make wise decisions?

Lastly, focused effort. To me this means leaders are bound and determined to accomplish a vision. They know what can be accomplished, they see the potential that exists, and they work hard to see it come to fruition. Leadership is overcoming distractions and keeping the end in mind. Many people work hard and put forth great effort, but it is continued focused effort that sets successful leaders apart. Likewise, leaders do not wait for things to happen, instead, they make things happen. Tenacious, focused effort will establish one's leadership quickly. Are our efforts focused?

So, as the book states, leadership does involve “honest motives, conscious thought, and focused effort.” As we strive to follow and develop our skills in these three elements of leadership, we will become more powerful and effective leaders.