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| Friday, 5 December 2003 |
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Leadership is Ability! I deeply appreciate the efforts of Dr. Steven Covey, to elucidate over 800 participants at a recent seminar held at the Hilton Hotel. With an individual investment at Rs. 19,000, I commend his choice in selecting a profession that generates money that you and I can only dream of. In monetary terms, monthly revenue of over 35 million US Dollars, I see not as a choice, but as special ability. Most judge leadership on ones pre-conditioned norms. His or her perceptions of what leadership is all about! Dr. Covey explains it as a choice. I take your time and attention to prove that leadership is more an ability than choice! There are two traits common to mankind. The first is the ability to discriminate the good from the bad; the right from wrong. The second trait, is understanding. Discrimination as the first choice separates us by race, caste, creed, riches, education intellect, good looks etc..... and the list goes on. Understanding as the second trait, helps us absorb what is good, shun what is bad and the wisdom to probe the gray areas for further filtration. The material world is understood through the five sense organs. So what comes in through these gates could be our choice for understanding and relating to the environment and the world at large. Leadership cannot be simplified and only seen through these five gates. The world has had many leaders. Some inspirational like Mahatma Gandhi, or despots like Adolf Hitler. Ben Kingsley, an Englishman does an outstanding portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in the movie epic "Gandhi". But could Mr. Kingsley ever do things what Gandhijee did? This clearly shows that leadership is not a choice. The next important factor to be considered is the importance of understanding, as a prelude to making the right choice. Most of our lives are full of deceit, treachery, and betrayals. most think only of themselves. Some fall into trouble simply by going to help others. Yet others are in, sometimes an enviable position of having the ability to help others. Individual personality will determine his or her character. If so, what should be the correct understanding? Buddha, the greatest teacher ever, obtained all his strengths through absolute control over his mind and body. True leadership is not found out in the world, from people or in books. It is inside you! Through good health and habits develop ability to lead your body to victory. Protect the leadership of your emotions through love and happiness. Give leadership to the mind through compassion and awareness. Enlighten the brain with knowledge and wisdom! The foundation of true leadership personality is imbibed on these facts. All great leaders, posses four valuable traits. The first is the ability to solve problems. He or she with correct insight defines the root cause(s) and with comforting words, peace and equilibrium brings about the correct economic emancipation. Problem solving precipices true traits of leadership. The leadership of nature is undoubtedly the sun! Our philosophies too should be illuminating like it. Radiating like it. So shine on your abilities! Discover your own leadership potential and by it, make your life and an others meaningful! The leader is quite often a ruler. A leader should have ten regal precepts. Personality, happiness, balance, non-aggression, giving, correct principles, sacrifice, temperance, non-malice, non-hatred, peace are these virtues. Effort is the tool that builds the personality in leadership. All great leaders the world over has known, or will ever know have reached their pinnacles through effort. An effort must also be made to secure the gains gained. Effective leadership is sustained through good relationships. Poor relationships bring about destruction! Bad relationships kill! As a leader, by being fair in your dealings, your fame and fortune is assured. - Saliya Samarawickrama |
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