Leadership is About Not Being Defeated

Leadership is about not being defeated.

Being a leader is about how I perceive challenges. Are they obstacles that threaten to derail my leadership, or are they opportunities to learn and grow?

The leaders who inspire me are people who embrace challenges. They see them not as obstacles to be overcome, but as experiences that have lessons to teach them. Their leadership, and lives, are not about getting to the right answer, but about the character and wisdom that develops within them on the journey.

Our culture tends to teach us that our only two options are victory and defeat, and that our value is in winning. Defeat is failure to win. For me, the truth is much deeper and more complex. Being my true self, putting my core values and vision into practice, is not about winning or losing. Working hard, being creative, and trying new approaches all have value in themselves, even if I do not “win.”

Making a meaningful difference is important to me, and is closely connected to being my true self. I can make my best contribution to others by knowing and being who I really am. As long as I continue discovering and appreciating my core values, I can contribute in more significant ways. The best way for me to recognize and appreciate my deepest self is working to overcome the challenges I face.

It is only when I decide to give up that I am defeated; it is not failure until I decide to quit. As long as I continue working, trying things that might not work the first time is part of learning.

Whose leadership inspires you?

Are you threatened, or are you learning and growing?

Are you still learning, or are you being defeated?

[Image by LaPrimaDonna]