Crucibles of leadership: Mental toughness

Social inequalities, corruption, and discrimination against women?are some of the global problems that have continued to erode the world – more weight on countries where poverty is at its peak. The pressure to come up with a solution to these pressing primordial problems is in the hands of business and government leaders of today.

?Despite these challenges, many people nurture themselves in a seedbed of unfertile soil where reaching the breaking point requires persistence. These individuals, through their transformative experiences, will later emerge as excellent leaders- a testament to their resilience and determination. The article on Crucibles of Leadership by Warren Bennis and Robert Thomas has given me three lessons to ponder on:

?

Transformative experience leaves a powerful message and lessons.

Both ends of the spectrum can build a person, but what sets apart the best from the good is its strong capability to make sense of the experience. Without the capacity to find meaning from it, it will just be left as what it is – an experience. Those who emerge from transformative experiences often have a deep sense of meaning. They have established their strong reason for doing things, elevating to a different level.

When purpose fuels our actions, tasks become opportunities for growth. This deeper sense of purpose propels them and the people around them to new heights, fostering courage and truth-telling. The transformative experience leaves an indelible mark, a message that must be heard.

?

We need to understand the longing of our times to be effective in our mission.

Leaders are often clouded with their judgment of the situation. This is dangerous as it will lead to a hallucinated point of view. When the landmine explodes, we see ourselves fixing issues that can lead to a solution that might deplete and exhaust our resources. The early signs are often obvious. ?

The world is changing quickly, and it needs leaders who listen more. Rittenberg and Mickie's stories are of individuals whose voices were not listened to when they were in a disadvantaged position. Later, they were both individuals who ensured that when it was their time to lead, they were eager to listen and not allow the situations they experienced to be felt by others with the same problem.

What's in our minds are dreams that are yet to be fulfilled and ready to be executed when the time is right.

It's not a function of your circumstance; it's a function of your outlook

Victor Frankl's classic work on Man's search for meaning has placed his message in the center. He delivered his message through his life and work. Circumstances do not define us; we all have the freedom to choose.

One of the endowed gifts we have received from our Maker is the freedom to choose. Even if we think that we do not, the decision to believe that there is no way out is a choice.

Excellent leaders will always allow their people to choose. They care less of themselves. Leadership is self-giving.

?