Recently the world lost a great leader in former South African President Nelson Mandela. Following the report of his death articles and posts about his life have have been plentiful and polarized. Uninformed about his early life many were shocked to hear that this powerful leader was once classified as an angry "terrorist." The Wall Street Journal posted an article with the following quote:
"Mandela was an extraordinary man," said Carlos Alberto Montaner, a Cuban based in Miami. "You can't judge him by the friends he had. You have to judge him by the incredible things he did. He went into prison as an angry Lenin, and came out as a sensible and peaceful Gandhi."
Leaders are not born, they are created. No other life can embody this concept than the life of this great former president. Leaders are not born, they are created. This is because at the heart of it a leader is a leader because of two things - who they are (character) and what they do (action and skill). Whether you lead a few - a small family as a mother or lead many - as the president of a nation you are defined by these two parts - who you are and what you do.
Character is something developed over time. Our character is based on concepts we learn early in life. Humility, loyalty, empathy, pro activity, compassion...all character traits are developed over time, literally over a life time. Think back to a time when, as a child you did something you knew was wrong and when confronted by a parent, teacher or other authority figure you lied to get out of taking responsibility. We all did it. In fact we still do it until, over time we condition ourselves toward the character traits of honesty and personal accountability (for more on this subject read the book QBQ...you might be shocked at how often you make excuses for your life).
As Mandela's life exhibited character traits take time, perspective and conditioning to stick and become habitual. Be persistent and be patient. Those who have lived a long life will tell you that we all have our personal character battles and the key is to never give up.
Now to the doing part. Leaders are leaders not just because of who they are. Leaders are leaders because of what they do. They work hard. They develop skill. They persist and master their craft. They practice speaking, listening, studying. They practice, practice practice. They work hard and DO the things a leader should do. There is a catch though. Leaders are guided by an internal compass and don't sway left or right based on public opinion. "Why is he doing that?" "I heard she said this." Comments from others are viewed as just that - comments from others. The leader moves with conviction, vision and passion to DO what needs to be done, not to actively alienate, but to ultimately create clear choice for others - follow me or follow your own path.
It's often been said that the best way to lead is by example. This is only partially true. True leaders do what they need to do while inspiring others to use their own talents, tools and resources to follow their own path to success.
Some years back I read about how taking ice cold showers can be beneficial for your health and boost your immune system. I've experienced this firsthand. What I learned through experience is an added psychological benefit. I've found that each morning when I wake up, shave and then stand in the shower with ice cold water hitting my face and chest I am emboldened to tackle any tough challenges the day may bring my way. I figure that if I can get hit in the face with ice cold water first thing in the morning the rest of the day is pretty easy. This routine works great for me. Do I expect others to follow my example? Absolutely not. It's a pretty crazy idea, but it works for me. It's one of the things I DO to prepare me for any leadership moments that may come my way.
When I was younger I had an art teacher that taught me a powerful life lesson that has never left me. Eager for feedback on a drawing I was working on I would ask him daily how he thought it was looking. After several days he finally looked at me and said "Steve, be confident, finish it, put it in a frame and then we can judge it. Stop judging it while you are creating it." Later, in college an art professor gave a definition that reinforced this concept. He defined art as "the process of correction through recognition."
Ultimately our lives as leaders will be judged when the tapestry we call life is framed and hanging on the wall. Until then our job is to course correct when we recognize we are off our defined path. Leaders are leaders because of who they are and what they do. Remember that in your creation process the examples of great leaders, like Mandela and their ability to grow and course correct can be a framework for your life. In the end - YOU are a leader because of who you are and what you do. LIFE is the process of correction through recognition. Leadership is the process of correction through recogninition. Live on. Lead on.
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