"The concept of an individual with a conscience is one whose highest allegiance is to his fellow man." -- Ralph Nader, consumer activist
When people talk about how admired and effective Jack Welch is, they often refer to his reputation for "tough" love and for telling the truth no matter what. Whether he is making a report to Wall Street or reporting a mistake in strategy, you know that you will always get his version of the real story.
Furthermore, leaders with a conscience help their people understand their individual relevance not only to the organization's future but also to society's future. Leading with a conscience acknowledges that we all dream of noble purposes and that we want our work to affect more than just us.
"Do all your work as though you had a thousand years to live, and as you would if you knew you must die tomorrow." -- Mother Ann Lee, founder of the American Shaker movement
Are you committed to being the best in the world and the best for the world? Successful leaders hold a covenant with those they touch. They understand what contributes to the greater good, and they communicate the factors that are important to the group. They never ask you for more than they are willing to give themselves.
When we look at those leaders, we often think of their sense of responsibility and their willingness to sacrifice for others. And we are drawn to them. We are motivated to do more than we thought humanly possible, so as not to disappoint them. In this way, we help each other become the people we always thought we could be and attain goals we once thought unattainable.
"I think about my own death, and I think about my own funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy ... tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize ... that I have three or four hundred other awards. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others.... Say that I was a drum major for justice ... for peace ... for righteousness.... I just want to leave a committed life behind." -- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For more on Lance Armstrong, read his autobiography, It's Not About the Bike. For more on Vasili Alekseyev, read ML2 E-Newsletter #30 or chapter four of Mark Albion's New York Times best-selling book, Making a Life, Making a Living (2000), now also in paperback, e-book, audiocassette, and audio download.
Copyright © 2001 Dr. Mark S. Albion. All rights reserved.
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