Any leader who has no one following him is just taking a walk (Old Chinese saying)."

The first challenge of any leader is self-leadership; the second is the challenge to lead other people. In both cases vision is paramount- you cannot lead without it.
Recently, I listened to someone give the difference between leadership and management. He said managers were responsible for the day to day running of a corporation. Their only problem is that they find it hard to look beyond today. A leader on the hand looks beyond today- a leader looks into the future and inspires people to go there.
However, its worth noting that for any organization to succeed you need both Leaders and Managers.Leaders provide the vision and inspiration and managers make sure that the organization stays on course with the vision on a day to day basis.

Leading people is a big challenge and am learning that rather quickly. The thing that makes people difficult to lead is that everyone has their own mind and its the leader's job to bring everyone to a oneness in mind. Without focus no organization can go anywhere and that's where vision comes in.
Vision provides focus. Vision inspires Action. Vision gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Vision is the life line of any person and organization.

Dr. John C. Maxwell likens vision to a compass. In his book the 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership; Dr Maxwell talks about The Law of Navigation. The Law of Navigation can be summarized in this quote; "Anyone can steer a ship but it takes a Leader to chart a course." Leadership is all about charting courses. Jack Welch, the chairman of general electric says " A good leader stays focused...controlling your direction is better than being controlled by it." Vision is what provides control.

Leaders always see the big picture. They anticipate the challenges and think through how they would handle obstacles that the journey presents. Leaders understand exactly what it takes to get to the place they have envisioned. They may not see every potential pitfall but they have the guts to handle each one as it presents itself. Leaders never cut and run; they face problems head on and see only victory.

Leaders are innovators. They are always thinking of how to do something better and more effectively.
Leaders are pioneers. They do not like to hear that something cannot be done. Leaders have a CAN DO IT ATTITUDE.

For Africa and the third world to move ahead and lead the world we need Leaders. Men and women who will steer the ship in the right direction. But it all starts with you and me. Our natural inclination is to point to other people as potential leaders and never see ourselves as part of the solution. If no one says it to you I will; YOU ARE A LEADER and begin to see yourself that way.
Develop vision and create focus in your life. We have the potential to do great things but it takes work. Potential energy only turns to kinetic energy when force and or motion are applied.

So what are you doing in terms of developing vision for your life? Are you working hard and smart and steering the course for yourself and those you lead?
For those of you that have not had a chance to read any of Dr. Maxwell's books please make an effort to do so; they will challenge your life.
The other land mark work is by Dr. Myles Munroe entitled THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP. This book changed my life. Check it out!!
I will leave you with this acrostic from Dr. Maxwell to remind you to always look and plan ahead.

Predertermine a Course of Action

Lay out your goals

Ajust your priorities

Notify key personel

Allow for time of acceptance

Head into action

Expect problems

Always point to the successes

Daily review you plan

To your progress and success,
Campbell

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