The Simple Things

It came to me in a dream:

Try harder to do the simple things.

So what are the simple things of leading?

Listening. Listening connects us with others. It is through listening that we learn the needs and motivations of others. This knowledge provides us with the reasons people will follow. As leaders we discover how we may move and serve our followers. Listening also connects us with ourselves. By listening inwardly we discover our mission and passion, the forces that compel us to lead.

Courage. Courage provides the will to lead. Courage feeds our faith and counters our doubts. Courage keeps us moving forward despite the obstacles we encounter.

Through listening we discover our call to lead; through courage we nurture our will to lead. Listening gives us a reason to lead; courage provides us with the strength to lead.

Now, may each of us have the courage to listen.