Personal strength; strength of character; being strong…
I’ve been thinking a lot these days about what it means to be strong. However, I am disturbed that it seems the strength many people find is at the expense of others. Strong political views, strong reactions to things happening in the world, strong feelings about injustices. Not that we shouldn’t feel strongly about things. Anyone who knows me well knows I have a “strong” personality and can be quite “strong” in my reactions or responses to how I want to move through this world.
No – my thoughts today are on helping bring awareness to the fact that strength is good, and can do good – but is inherently diminished when its power is drawn from promoting a perspective at the expense of someone else’s opinion, even if you completely disagree. At work – it is unnecessary to draw attention to oneself by sharing the mistakes of a predecessor, or pointing out someone else’s weaknesses.
For me, true leaders, “strong” leaders are ones who lead by example. Who not only inspire those around them but actively work towards bringing people with them and to help everyone be the best they can be. In business, strong leaders inspire innovation and creativity. These same leaders create environments that promote a sharing of ideas and even a little risk taking, because they know they will be supported for doing so.
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