Leadership is really all about the tone and quality of the heart of the leader, as well as that of the follower. We do not lead from the head – trying to engage others solely through intellect is like trying to light a piece of paper with the picture of a candle. It is the tone and quality of our hearts speaking to and engaging the hearts of others that determines the passion and quality of how others follow.
Yet, it is not only the tone and quality of the leader’s heart that matters, but also that of those who would follow. If a leader uses the passions of hatred, prejudice, division and blame to incite others, then those who are engaged have hearts filled with anger, hatred, blame, divisiveness and prejudice. This leads to greater pain, suffering and misdirection down the road. What is in the hearts of the followers determines the legacy of the leader – whether architect of something better and more whole, or critic/destroyer who leaves a path of destruction behind.
What is the tone of your heart? What are you focused on? Past woes, wrongs, anger and vengeance, or healing, positive changes, engagement and possibility? Watch your focus and the content of your thoughts and notice how you feel. Your inner guidance system of quality and tone of feelings as well as content of thoughts will let you know if you are developing a tone of heart, one that will create and engage the best in others.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.