Leading with Grace
I believe we often share a misconception about leading,
leadership, and leaders. What do you think?
For example, does leading have to be stuffy? No. It is much of
the time, but nothing says it has to be.
Leading has everything to do with love. Did you know that? Think
about it for a moment. When you boil everything down, every leader
you want to follow generously seasons all they do with love.
Really.
They lead because they exude a love for others. They lead
because they love what they do. They lead because they love what
you do, and what you help others do.
Leading is not static. Because life is not static.
Leading is energy; it is flow. Leading is emotion, full tilt.
Leading is electrifying. Leading is moving; it is intense. Because
leading loves.
Did you watch the video? Did you wonder why it's on this page?
Some of you may have thought something like, "Boy, Jack must have
flipped his lid. What's this video got to do with servant
leadership anyway?"
After all, servant leadership is soft, right?
Only wimps are servant leaders, right? Wrong. On both counts.
Servant leadership requires strength; it is not for the faint of
heart. The servant as leader, Robert Greenleaf suggests, sets out,
first and foremost, to help those served to grow as persons, and
for the least privileged in society to benefit, or at least, not be
further deprived. Nuttin' easy about that.
Speaking of nuttin', Damien and Tourie Escobar, also know as
Nuttin' but Stringz, bring popular and classical genres to the streets.
In so doing, they edify, they inspire, they energize, and they move
others to new heights. Did you pick up on their thoughts about "a
lot of young kids getting violin lessons?" Damien and Tourie
quietly lead with grace (well, maybe not so quietly).
And so can you!
Now get out there and quietly take the lead. Before you know it,
followers will soon raise their arms high to the sky, joyfully
moving them from side to side in tribute to your graceful
leadership. Give it a try. You'll see!
January 31, 2010 - 2:13 am
This video is an incredible picture of vision (what the terrain will look like after we’ve been through it) and mission (what we do and how we are as we move through the terrain)! With their giftedness infused with love and passion for what they do, these incredible guys “speak life to potential” in so many ways because they clearly love others. And I agree that this is leadership in a pure and powerful form. These young men speak “life to potential” in the souls of other young people to take violin lessons, or to tap into their own unique gift and make a difference with it. They “speak life to potential” within me, refreshing my passion for my own calling, and making it real. Jack, you are the personification of your statement, “Leading has everything to do with love.” Thank you so much for this wonderfully instructive and inspiring post! Thank you for leading the way.
January 31, 2010 - 6:47 am
This video brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. The energy is contagious and wonderful. I agree with you, Jack, that it is all about LOVE, especially loving what you do so much that it makes others want to do it with you or even just do their own thing with the energy they get from watching you be! Leadership is central to human existence and servant leaders understand that they are here to mentor others in leading, too! I always love your tweets and writing, but this…
“Leading is energy; it is flow. Leading is emotion, full tilt.
Leading is electrifying. Leading is moving; it is intense. Because
leading loves.” I love this, I love what it brings up for me and I love your leadership. It makes me want to do my own stuff better! Thanks.
January 31, 2010 - 8:55 am
Jack this is video was an excellent vehicle for illustrating your message. Leadership comes in many forms and quite often when least expected. It’s certainly about passion for what we do but aboveall igniting or finding a passion in other and taking it forward.
Excellent post!
January 31, 2010 - 9:50 am
Wow, Jack, you are truly unique. The juxtaposition of this video and your message is powerful. I just loved the energy and passion of these two brothers, and they do exemplify the qualities you’re challenging the rest of us to emulate. Your writing is filled with love and conviction, and it’s downright inspiring. Thank you for this post.
February 1, 2010 - 11:57 am
Inspirational, Jack, and a beautiful illustration of leadership with pizazz AND grace. And so agree with you that servant leadership requires strength… and courage. It’s the leadership the 21st century demands of humanity if we are to move forward. Feel blessed to share the work in your company and with all those who have commented and will.
Your words inspire me to be/do even more of what I can be/do in my own leadership. Thank you.
February 1, 2010 - 5:56 pm
GREAT post, Jack!
As I watched these two young men fuse talent, a musical genre and cultures, I was reminded of Frans Johansson’s book, The Medeci Effect. Therein he talked about leadership at the intersection between fields, disciplines and cultures. These two men did a wonderful job of validating the wisdom of that approach.
The concept of ‘Leading at the Intersection’ is also a reminder to all of us that Leadership (and especially Servant Leadership) requires we build bridges that transcend political, social, religious, economic and other barriers.
Well Done!
-M
February 1, 2010 - 8:07 pm
Jack, I also like the fact that you put this video and the idea of Servant Leadership together. I appreciate the fact that they understand the impact they can have on people around them. They make playing the violin cool and you help make servant leadership cool. Everyone who makes a choice based on your example benefits as do everyone blessed by the people making the choice. We all have a purpose and a “best difference” we can make. Thanks for the video.
Mike…
February 2, 2010 - 11:55 am
Jack–
Speaking of leadership, I’ll be pressing the
“follow” button today after seeing this video and reading your “Leading with Grace” post.
I acknowledge your example of the very thing you invite the world to become.
Maybe part of the inherent beauty of Twitter is that we all have the opportunity to practice being worthy leaders and worthy followers.
Maridel Bowes
February 3, 2010 - 7:13 am
Hey Jack,
This is a fabulous post – thank you for sharing it with us.
You’re description of servant leadership is right on the money. Servant leaders are confident but not arrogant, gentle but not pushovers, guiding but not overpowering.
I really like your tie in to Nuttin But Strings. They lead through what they do – not what they say or what they tell others. They are a great example indeed and I like how you wove them into your post.
Great job, Jack, and something for us to think about. The world needs a lot more servant leaders – leaders like you.
Take care and create a great day.
Harry