What’s a leader for? The best answer to that question I have read is one given by Max Dupree. He says a leader has two jobs:

To press for reality
To say thank you

A real leader introduces everyone constantly to what is really going on in the organization. Of course, leadership works in the home as well. Parents contend for reality with their children. Organizations and families tend toward making alternate realities that lead to wrong moves.

Saying thanks is the power source for an organization. Even self-starters need a thank you from the boss to keep their batteries charged.

I really adhere to Dupree’s definition of leadership. I aspire to do these two things well. And I think this is about as complex as leadership ought to be.


One Response to “Leaders: pressing for reality with gratitude…”  

  1. 1 Jessie

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