Here is a secret!

Hello Friends, Its Monday again

Here’s a secret: People don’t go as fast as they can.
They don’t work as hard as they can either.
They aren’t as disciplined as possible.
They aren’t as positive-minded or enthusiastic as they can be.
They’re only as fast and disciplined and positive as you are.

As the leader, you set the pace.
You create the standards.

The speed, quality, and culture of the pack are determined by the leader.
That means the most important, but also the most underused and violated, principle of leadership is lead by example.

Here’s how to set a good one:

Before I ever ask someone to do or be anything, I think of Mahatma Gandhi and the story of “The Little Boy and Sweets.” It is such a great example to live up to and delivers an invaluable lesson on the character of leadership.

Coming to see Gandhi, a woman waited in line for more than half a day with her son at her side in order to have an audience with him. When at last it was her turn to speak to him, the woman said, “Mahatma, please. Tell my son he must stop eating sweets. It is ruining his health, his teeth. It affects his mood. Every time he has sweets, I see the change in him, and there is nothing I can do to stop him from eating more and more. He’s a good boy, but when it comes to sweets, he becomes a liar and a thief and a cheat and I’m afraid it will ruin his life. Please, Mahatma, tell him to stop.”

Gandhi looked at the boy for a long moment as he cowered there, trying to hide in his mother’s sari. Finally, Gandhi broke the silence and said, “Come back to me in two weeks’ time.” Confused, and a bit disappointed that he could not simply tell her son to stop eating sugar, the mother left with her son.

Two weeks later the woman returned with her child and once again waited in line for hours before finally it was their turn to see the Master. “Mahatma,” said the mother, “we have returned. We came to you for help with this boy and eating sweets, and you asked us to come back after two weeks.”

“Yes, of course I remember,” said Gandhi. “Come here, child.” He motioned the boy forward.
The boy, at the urging and prodding of his mother, disentangled himself from her sari and stepped up to Gandhi who reached out, put his hands on the boy’s shoulders, and pulled him closer. He looked the boy squarely in the eye and said, firmly, “Don’t eat sweets.” Then he released him.

“That’s it?” said the mother. “That’s all you’re going to say?” She was flabbergasted. “Why didn’t you just tell him that two weeks ago?”

“Because,” replied Gandhi, “two weeks ago I was still eating sweets myself. I could not ask him to stop eating sweets so long as I had not stopped either.”

Action for today:
If you really want to have leadership influence, you have no choice but, like Gandhi, to be the change you want to see in others.

Leadership in the 21st century is less about the words that come out of you and more about what exists within you.

Is there a behavior that is rotting the teeth of your organization or any where you are and ruining its health?
If so, today be the first one to throw those ‘sweets’ away.

You are promoted

Your Daily Friend, BM

8 Comments

Jane Innocent on August 22, 2023 at 10:50 am

Wow!
“I must be changed to creat a change”
This article gave me a solution to a long time problem I’ve been trying so hard to change.
Thank you Mr Babs!

Misturah Abdulwaheed on August 22, 2023 at 7:41 am

Wow!

Leadership is about an influence and making a change.

The change i want to see in people and around the world starts within me.

To induce the action starts with how i take up the purpose efficiently.

PAUL MANCHA on August 22, 2023 at 5:33 am

Major Lessons from “Here is a Secret”:

1. People’s behavior and performance are often influenced by the leader’s example. As a leader, you set the pace and create the standards for your team or organization.

2. Leading by example is a critical principle of leadership that is often underused and violated. By embodying the qualities and behaviors you expect from others, you can effectively influence their actions.

3. The story of Mahatma Gandhi and the little boy and sweets illustrates the power of leading by example. Gandhi refused to tell the boy to stop eating sweets until he had stopped himself, emphasizing the importance of practicing what you preach.

4. To be an effective leader, you must first make the necessary changes in your own behavior. If there are negative behaviors or habits affecting your organization or any area of your life, be the first to change and set a good example.

5. Leadership in the 21st century is about more than just words. It is about embodying the values, behaviors, and mindset you want to see in others.

6. Take responsibility for your actions and avoid making excuses. Owning up to mistakes and being accountable demonstrates maturity and responsibility.

7. Complaining is unproductive and can be a sign of inaction. Instead of complaining, take responsibility and take action to address issues or improve situations.

8. Financial responsibility is an important aspect of adulthood. Learning how to manage your finances, such as paying bills on time and saving money, is an essential responsibility.

9. Avoid procrastination and make the most of your time. Successful people are hard-working and committed to their goals. Embrace consistency and stick to your schedule to maintain order and productivity.

10. Being responsible means taking control of your actions and not blaming others. Stand strong and complete your tasks with determination and integrity.

Thank you so much.