In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday I've included an excerpt from Factor 3: Inspiration in The Four Factors of Effective Leadership.
Dr. King personified inspiration. He had a powerful sense of personal mission and believed he was called to lead his people out of oppression. His words rallied millions of people to join the cause of justice for black Americans. He gave courage to people who had been discouraged and hope to people who were hopeless.
King also demonstrated significant perseverance as he pursued his vision. He spent time in jail on a number of occasions. In fact, his book Letter from a Birmingham Jail, had a profound impact on the civil rights movement in America. His house was bombed and he received constant death threats. During one march in the South, he was struck in the head with a brick and he was stabbed during a book signing in New York. Finally, he was killed because of his commitment to the cause of liberty. He was willing to endure imprisonment, physical abuse and even death to fulfill his vision. His life and violent death are a testimony to the power of inspiration.
King's life and death propose at least one very difficult question that all leaders must eventually answer. King gave his life to fulfill the dream. What are you willing to endure in order to achieve your vision?
If you want to learn more, I recommend Donald T. Phillips' book Martin Luther King. Jr. on Leadership and the PBS Video Citizen King, which you might be able to catch on TV tonight.
This is a real good site. Thank you
Posted by: Brittni | March 31, 2008 at 11:01 AM