I went on a search to become a leader.
I searched high and low.
I spoke with authority.
People listened.
But alas, there was one who was wiser than I,
and they followed that individual.
I sought to inspire confidence,
but the crowd responded,
"Why should I trust you?"
I postured, and I assumed the look of leadership
with a countenance that flowed with confidence and pride.
But many passed by me and never noticed my air of elegance.
I ran ahead of the others,
pointed the way to new heights.
I demonstrated that I knew the route to greatness.
And then I look back,
and I was alone.
"What shall I do?"
I queried.
"I've tried hard and used all the I know."
And I sat down and pondered long.
And then I listened to the voices around me.
And I heard what the group was trying to accomplish.
I rolled up my sleeves and joined in the work.
As we worked, I asked,
"Are we all together in what we want to do and how to get the job done?"
And we thought together,
and we fought together,
and we struggled towards our goal.
I found myself encouraging the fainthearted.
Lead the ideas of those too shy to speak,
I taught those who had little skill.
I praised those who worked hard.
One of the group, turned to me and asked,
"Oh my Leader, Here are you"..,
And nothing of this scale have been done but for your leadership".
At first I said, "I didn't lead. I just worked with the rest."
Then I understood, leadership is not a goal.
It's a way to reaching a goal.
I lead best when I help others to go where we've decided to go.
I lead best when I help others to use themselves creatively.
To explore themselves, for a larger benefit.
