The Art of Leadership

True Leaders:

Many aspire to Leadership, but few understand its true nature.  Leadership is not an ego game.  True leaders have vision and place the goals of the institution above their own interests.  True leaders realize the importance of the people working with them.  True leaders are not only open to good ideas, but also have the courage to implement them. - j. donald walters

 A few years ago, I (@j_alston) read a book by J. Donald Walters titled, "The Art of Leadership".  At the time, I thought it was a short and simple read.  Oh how wrong that turned out to be.  Since the first time I picked it up, I have been carrying it with me for about 11 years.  It continues to yield great insight and confirmation.  It has also been published under the title, "The Art of Supportive Leadership"; How very telling that title appears to be.  It tells me that, being a leader, is not always the idea of getting support from the people you work with; but moreover being supportive of them as well.  It is reciprocal. Their is a flow of energy, ideas and support; that is continuous. Symbiotic, as it were.

There are so many books on Leadership and Management.  It is sometimes hard to choose the right ones.  There are books that are specific to Fire and Emergency Management Services; and then there are those like this one that provide those critical nuggets of wisdom; those bursts of clarity that guide us, ever so gently, towards the right path.

Some of what I got from it:

• Understand the Nature of Leadership (It's about people, "DUH"!)
• Lose the Ego (Easing God Out)
• Have Clarity of Vision (Knowing who you are and your purpose)
• Never lose sight of the goals of your institution or organization
• Recognize the importance of the people working with you (Collectively and Individually)
• Be Supportive
• De-prioritize your own personal ambitions, as they relate to others and your organization
• Be open and receptive
• Give value to the opinions of others
• Have the courage to implement action and change course when necessary

WHERE THERE IS RIGHT ACTION...THERE IS VICTORY.

- Sanskrit Proverb

more to follow...