Thought Tweet #845.5 “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
The Thinking Behind The Tweet
I rarely tweet quotes made by famous people. However, from time to time I find a quote that resonates so thoroughly I cannot resist tweeting it. This quote passes that test for me. John Quincy Adams said this about 200 years ago. While I have not studied John Quincy Adams, I can imagine the experiences he must have lived...the son of the 2nd President of the U.S.A....knowing much about and likely meeting in person numerous great U.S. leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin. And, of course, becoming a U.S. President himself.
Why I find this quote thoroughly resonating...
Actions: when you boil life down to find its fundamental elements you find Actions. You find positive Actions, which are well remembered by those who do them and those who are influenced by them. You find negative Actions, which are well remembered by those who do them and those who are influenced by them. And, you find Actions that died in thought before they occurred, which are also well remembered...often poignantly on one's deathbed.
Inspire Others: our company is named Spirited Leaders and the Baker family motto is Dum Spiro Spero.
Dreams: Vision/Dreams/Imagining what could be...no question, that's a gift and a preoccupation shared by all leaders.
Learn more: Spirited Leaders place much value in life-long learning...[and I am an assessed Learner].
Do more: doing more is even-better Action...it's stepping up.
Become more: that's about growing and adding value and experiencing a fulfilled life.
If one person can inspire and help other people do these things then, clearly, that person is a leader.