True Leadership

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

In reality leadership means one thing but in true-reality it is about being noticed by those in power; about likability; and about fitting into the system itself. You have to look and act like others in power/authority think that you should look and act like. You have to think and act in ways that those in power are comfortable with and that leads to both good and bad.

In most power/authority structures, including martial disciplines, you end up with a hierarchy/power structure that is top-heavy, look at the quantity of martial masters, with people wo look good in the uniform, who talk right, who do well enough not to totally embarrass themselves and to develop a personality, often without true character, that meets these standards as dictated by those already in power. 

These teachers, if you will, are all the kind of people who thrive in this environment. They end up selecting their favorite students based on precisely the same off kilter sense of priorities. 

Where lies the fault is often those who truly meet the leadership role tend to stay away from such trappings and since the system is already chocked full of those kind this leaves the true leadership running back-yard personal dojo with limited practitioners. Yes, likability is an important human factor in all social dynamics and intricate to cohesive cooperative efforts but it must be tempered and balanced with talent as well. Being able to do at a professionalism level along with creating an atmosphere of respect, etc., is a must for the most effective optimal learning and teaching experience. 

Likability will make those who train and study under your guidance try to make your efforts both beneficial and proficient through dedication and effort to learn, understand and apply. It is the way one understand why things are done a certain way and allow everyone to see beyond the emotional egoistic trappings often binding humans to the wrong path. 

Trying to be one of the guys is more an obstacle then beneficial but as stated achieving a certain level of likability is paramount to spiritual, strategic and tactical success for group dynamics survival conditions. 

To lead, to follow and to guide means developing both character and personality with a foundation of knowledge, understanding and the ability to apply all of it in actions and deeds, A&D with a smattering of humility, this leads leaders to the leadership roles that maximize, epitomize and create great group dynamics chock full of interconnected personalities that promote, build and feed of one another with proper and appropriate goals, strategies and tactics that make martial disciplines - martial. 

Read Also: “Leadership”; “Breaking the Mold”; “Sensei, Mentor, Teacher, Coach”; “What you write, say or do matters”; “Leaders and Leadership”; and “Teacher-vs-Instructor-vs-Sensei”

Bibliography (Click the link)

“In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter.” - Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal (ret)

Leaders and Leadership should be a required prerequisite
to achieving black belt and holding the title, "Sensei!"