Paradox of Leadership

Paradox of Leadership
By: David Weatherholt, MBA

February, 2010

Do Good Things Anyway

Several years ago, I ran across a list of the paradoxes in leadership, and for some reason they resonated with me. Since then, I've modified the list a bit but have left basic concept intact. A serial entrepreneur must get out there in front and lead with their ideas, putting everything on the line when no one else does. This initiative leaves you seemingly out of sync with what others are thinking and doing. Actually, you out in front of the crowd listening to a different beat or even setting your own. The vision sometimes feels like a curse, and at those times these ten concepts will encourage you to keeping going.

1. People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered.
	Love them anyway.
2. If you do good things, people will accuse you of having selfish, ulterior motives.
	Do good things anyway.
3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
	Succeed anyway.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
	Do good things anyway.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
	Be honest and frank anyway.
6. The person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind.
	Think big anyway.
7. People favor underdogs but follow top dogs.
	Fight for the underdogs anyway.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
	Build anyway.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you help them.
	Help them anyway.
10. Give the world the best you can, and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
	Give the world the best you have anyway.

Let me know if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.
Write David W. Weatherholt at david@bnewsviews.com

A. 100600 Cutter Circle Anchorage, Alaska 99515-0385 USA

T. 907.360.9241 F. 907.344.4806 E. david@bnewsviews.com W. www.waconsult.com