re: the Greenleaf quote on leaders using superior information to see ahead...
The first thing I thought of was the Star Wars episode with the boy, Anakin Skywalker, in the pod racer. They say something about his reflexes being so good because he can see into the future (using "The Force") and knows what's going to happen, so he can react to it before anyone else.
It sounded farfetched when I first saw that movie years ago, but Greenleaf puts it in a context I can understand. If we're sensitive enough to the clues around us, we have a pretty good idea of what is likely to happen. And then it becomes our duty to deal with that future.
I too recently began riding my bike to work with the high gas prices, and agree that I too seem to have a greater awareness of my surroundings when I'm not surrounded by a ton of steel and glass in my car.
Interesting post and picture, Tom. Thank you.
Hello Chris,
I like your Star Wars analogy. There are times when I am cruising along on my bike when I think I feel the "force" cursing through my veins and find myself weaving my way in and out of traffic at speeds beyond the normal realm. Unfortunately my body doesn't share the power of the force and the next day my legs are too sore to walk on. I think I need more practice in awareness.
I like how Greenleaf has a way of making concepts that seem like they are way out there and beyond the grasp of us ordinary mortals, simple and practical. We don't need to be great magicians, fortune tellers, or masters in the art of ESP; we just need to pay attention.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tom
This article was very insightful. Robert Greenleaf hits the nail on the head when he sets apart a good leader as one who looks ahead and is proactive. He is also right in stating that those who make decisions based on events which have already happened will be forced to compromise.
If you're interested in leadership blogs I'd recommend checking out Mike Myatt's blog posts on the N2Growth blog page(www.n2growth.com/blog). I have found his expertise beneficial and his willingness to be honest and open refreshing.
Tyler,
Thanks for the thoughts on Greenleaf and the blog suggestion.
Tom
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