I am probably like most of you who read this blog, one of my greatest desires in life is to leave a positive impression, example and meaningful works to the world and most importantly my family.
The leadership story that follows gave me time to think about that and the difference I am making. Have you ever wanted or hoped you could change the world?
Told by an unknown Monk around 1100 AD you will find that there is one thing you have to do first before changing anything or anybody.
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.
How many of us try to change others before changing ourselves? Or how many of us complain about the need for change and do nothing?
Someone once said, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Change always starts with us. Great leaders get this. They understand that no one is inspired to follow a leader who isn’t willing to do those things she is asking others to do.
There is something charismatic about people who understand all change starts with them. Are you one of them?
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