Leadership Matters: Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Every leader can learn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who influenced others by persuasion, not division or authority.?Dr. King encouraged dialog with those that had different viewpoints to help him achieve his vision.?The ability to understand all sides of an issue and collaborating is how great accomplishments are achieved.?It is difficult to achieve anything sustainable when both sides are polarized.?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the course of history and caused an awakening across our nation regarding civil rights.?It has been nearly 56 years since his assassination, yet his legacy lives on and his message is still relevant today.?The MLK Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to many in America.? We commemorate his ideals, values, and leadership.? After listening to several speeches of this great American leader, it is clear there are many lessons we can learn from him on leadership.?

Bring the vision to life:? Dr. King brought his vision to life by describing a detailed picture of what the future should look like.? He provided a clear dose of reality in describing the flaws in the way things existed.? His descriptive vision for a better tomorrow allowed people to see the potential of what could be.? It caused dissatisfaction with the status quo and drove people to action.??Be passionate and descriptive about your vision, in both your words and actions.?

Create the sense of urgency:?? Dr. King referred to the “tranquilizing drug of gradualism.”? It is less disruptive and easier to settle for gradual change by taking a less aggressive, go-slow approach.? True leaders do not settle for less than what they are aiming to achieve and pursue it relentlessly regardless of the obstacles.??As MLK and his followers demonstrated, this will take persistence to overcome the defiance from those who do not like change.?? Be determined, inspiring people to drive change and not be satisfied or patient with the status quo.??

Be extremely direct:??Dr. King did not mince words when he spoke.? He was extremely direct in describing the problem, and where people were falling short on their promises.?He forcefully described the “shameful condition” that existed for minorities. Yet, he understood that provoking his opponents would get in the way of achieving his vision.?Thus, he preached a movement that was based on non-violent civil disobedience.?The lesson is to not sugarcoat the truth, but rather talk with determination about the objective, without demeaning or inciting others.??Be strong and candid in voicing an opinion and holding others accountable to what they say, but do not incite conflict by disrespectful behavior or words.?

Call for action:? Dr. King let everyone know what was possible if they acted, and what would happen if they did not. He included practical things that could be done by the people that believed in his vision. For example, Dr. King was very specific in identifying what products and services to buy or not buy based on the company’s practices.?He looked to build unity within his followers, as he knew there is tremendous power when people move together toward an objective. He showed them the power of collective actions rather than everyone doing their own thing.??Be specific in letting people know what they can and should do to make a difference.?

Commitment to excellence:? Dr. King asked, “what is in your life’s blueprint?”? In doing so, he emphasized the importance of having the determination and taking pride in achieving excellence in the work you do every day. This requires a commitment to make the necessary time and sacrifices. He talked about the need for personal accountability and a belief in your own self-worth in order to make a difference.??Be intense about what you do, hold yourself to a high standard and have the dedication, the passion and the consistency in your actions.?

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most eloquent speakers of the 20th?Century. In listening to his words, I was struck on how direct and to the point he spoke.?Dr. King was clear on the actions necessary to achieve the goal. Much of the power in his speeches came through in the specific examples and in the stories he told.?He was a master at helping to draw a picture of what was happening, what actions needed to be taken, and what the future should look like.?Through his stories and examples, Dr. King reinforced his vision, allowing people to relate to the message and bring it to life more easily.?

Dr. King was about achieving a vision that was right for all and not about his personal power or wealth.?He clearly understood the objective he wanted to achieve.?He engaged in dialog with his adversaries, looking for common interests, willing to negotiate and compromise to help accomplish his vision.?In our current environment, too many people are polarized, divisive and will disparage those who do not agree with them.?It is my hope that all leaders can follow the example of Dr. Martin Luther King by understanding the desired objective, yet not closing our ears to people with different ideas and viewpoints.? His conviction to solve an injustice, his ability to rally others and his capacity to persuade adversaries made him one of the most admired leaders of our lifetime.

?“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”?? ― Martin Luther King, Jr.?

?“The soft-minded man always fears change.? He feels security in the status quo, and he has almost a morbid fear for the new.? For him, the greatest pain is the pain of a new idea.”?― Martin Luther King, Jr?

Leadership matters!?

Ken?

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