A Leader's Legacy: Part One

From the beginning, this book offered stories and examples that not only kept the reader’s interest but helped the reader delve into topics they may not have given deeper thought to otherwise. People typically correlate a leader with an individual that takes control of a situation, and gives others instructions of what to do. Yet, this is just a minuscule part of it, and after reading just the first part of this book you come to learn truly being a leader is so much more.

For instance, many people believe individuals’ ultimate goal is to accomplish their goals and objectives in their way and their way only. Although, in order to be a real leader he or she has to be willing to give back to the community or group to ensure the success of the venture. One part of this book that really stood out to me was the section that stated,

We guarantee that what people will say about you will not be about what you achieved for yourself but what you achieved for others. Not how big a campfire you built but how well you kept others warm,  how well you illuminated the night to make them feel safe, and how beautiful you left the campsite for those who would come after you to build the next fire (19).

This quote exemplifies the qualities necessary for a leader. He or she must not have just have his or her best interests in mind but instead the interests of the whole, while always looking at the big picture and future. If they are able to take away any sense of selfishness within themselves, then they can ensure the progress of their organization or company for the better while also protecting the needs and best interests of their employees and group members.

            To me, this is the most important aspect of a leader, and it is a quality I hope to possess, and master in both my time at Bridgewater State University as well as in my future endeavors. Without the ability to help others and put their needs before your own at times, the world would become a very selfish and ineffective society. One of America’s great leaders, Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough”, showing sometimes the best way to accomplish a goal is through that act of humanity and service, and not a militant approach which is unfortunately more commonly seen.