Lead With A Sense of History
A sense of history relates to purpose. Leaders in the moment are thinking about how to make decisions and take actions for future generations. Benefits come earlier, but good leaders know that they are building a foundation. They know that they need to get it right.
Some historical leaders may have had personal flaws. Some flaws may be bigger than others. We are imperfect. Although still not right, personal flaws are usually contained within self or a few individuals. Flaws are not failings--failings involve crimes or abuse. Integrity is paramount, and personal failings negatively impact what any leader may have done.
With a sense of history, the important element is leading forward. History provides lessons to leverage and, sometimes, avoid repeating. However, good leaders with a sense of history don’t get stuck in the past. Having a sense of history translates into making an impact on the present with momentum to affect future generations in an affirmative manner.
Discontentment is evident in our society and in many of our workplaces. We can dice up the reasons for this frustration and discouragement in many ways. A key ingredient to move through our discontentment is calm leadership and leaders who understand their role in history. This is true for business, community, educational, and political leaders.
Leaders with a healthy sense of history understand that they and their organization need to adapt and evolve over time. IBM is different today than it was thirty years ago. Microsoft is different today than it was 10 years ago. We also can name companies that did not have a sense of history, other than getting stuck in the past. Think Kodak or Sears or Montgomery Ward.
Having a sense of history in business and community requires a spark to do more for many with substance and future durability. No matter your organization, leaders with a sense of history matter, and we need to recapture this spirit. Without it, leaders arouse discouragement and divisiveness. Leaders with a sense of history think, lead, and aspire forward.
---Adapted from thindifference.com
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