“It is one thing to study war, and another to live the life of the warrior” Tenedon of Arcadia, 5th Century Mercenary.
There are some disciplines in which studying the discipline is the same as practicing the discipline in real life. But most things require you to get into real-world circumstances before you can really understand the full range of experiences. The difference is notable when discussing leadership, which abounds with books, “expert” advice, and a strong seminar circuit which helps people study the art of leadership. There are some strong points to be made for the growth of a leadership culture and I know I’ve read my fair share of the materials.
Yet there’s no substitute for BEING the leader of something. Using your influence to make life better for someone or a group of someones, by organizing, motivating, challenging and rewarding a team. The problem with BEING a leader however, is that it’s not nearly as sexy as STUDYING leadership might suggest. Because of that dissonance many people prefer to stay on the mountaintop, dispensing advice from the latest book, replaying stories of great leaders, and never get into actually cultivating a group or organization.
Don’t do it! Don’t be seduced onto the sidelines, lulled into believing that studying something is the same as practicing it. Instead, use what you’re studying, apply what you’re learning, so that you can really help others.
Here are a couple of Ideas:
Volunteer: What a great way to get into the game! There are many organizations looking for volunteers to LEAD groups and make an impact on the lives of others.
Family: Yes, there’s leadership in family, and many families need good leaders. This means setting down principles and values that you believe should be reflected in your family and trying to rally others around those values. This is complex leadership, with lots of dynamics, so it’s a great place to make a difference.
Sports: Much of what I learned about leadership I learned on the soccer field and basketball court. Get out there and play, but also strive to lead. The great thing about sports is that leading by example is the only way to gain credibility. You’ve got to play harder, practice dilligently, and be skilled to lead others on the playing field.
What are some other arenas that we can lead and practice our leadership?
David Curry
