LEADERSHIP ROOTS.

Leadership matters, especially during uncertain times and in times of rapid change. And while many people want to lead on higher levels, most fail to understand that the way 'up' is first 'down,' and the way 'out' is first 'through and in.' This takes longer and requires significant patience. That is why the tallest trees, those with the deepest and broadest root systems, are also typically the oldest! Nelson Mandela observed, "the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.” Leaders that want to lead on a higher level (and stay there) must first go deeper. Three "roots" that leaders must continually develop are: (1) A root of 'purpose'; (2) a root of 'love'; and (3) a root of 'character.' First, going deeper with purpose means a leader must gain a greater understanding of their original intent, unique design and specific gifts. In other words, a leader must spend time understanding what they were 'meant to do' and, by extension, what they were 'not meant to do.' Myles Monroe observed that when purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable. Abuse, disuse and misuse all become a reality when purpose has not been defined or refined. Second, the leadership root of love is 'authentic love.' This is not in reference to romantic love and the love of friendship - which are seated in the emotions, rather, authentic love is an act of the will. One defintion authentic love is 'always seeking the highest good of the other.' Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. defined authentic love as "understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill towards all mankind." So, the effective leader thinks less often (not less) of themselves, and more often (not more) of others. Finally, character as a leadership root finds its expression through integrity - such that a leaders words and actions should match. This does require perfection, because then none of us would qualify, it simply means that growing leaders should constantly strive to ensure that they are the same person in private that they present themselves to be in public. Edwin Louis Cole would often say 'maturity doesn't come with age it comes with the acceptance of responsibility' and 'we are young once, but we can be childish forever.' So, leadership maturity with established character, seeks as its aim, not self-gratification or self-gain, rather its goal is in the best interests of others (expansively) - locally, nationally and globally.

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