It is easier to discern the best paths to follow in the journey of life - Reason 21

In an old Colombian song, Los Caminos de la Vida, the author describes how the paths of life are difficult to walk[1].  For many people, life can be one big mystery, and sometimes even an experience of constant misery.

However, a leader is clear that her or his life is the fruit of their own decisions, and is not based on others’ choices or on fate.  Yes, decisions made by others may influence them and circumstances will have an impact, but he or she ultimately will follow the path that comes from their own inspiration.

The leader’s ‘trick’, if we can call it that, is to take time to reflect and to discern before making a commitment in any direction.  Discernment is an ability that allows a person to choose and to prioritise the best possible options before taking any action.

For a leader the importance of discernment is multiplied by the fact that any decision also will impact on the lives of others.  In the absence of proper discernment, life would be just a guess-work . . . 

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

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[1] Los Caminos de la Vida (The paths of Life) is a song by Omar Geles, about the difficulty of facing a life for one isn’t prepared.  The rhythm is called Vallenato and it is typical of the Eastern Atlantic of Colombia.  You can watch its performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L9itEadUCE

Live a life with 100% challenges and 0% problems - Reason 20

Do you have a problem?  If you are a leader then that is excellent…

You see, a leader is basically a problem solver, but in an uncomplicated way since he or she never considers a problem as, well, a problem!  For a leader, it translates into challenges.

After all, if you solve a problem, that means you are still at school, but when you overcome a challenge, it means now you are a grown-up.

It is not just a question of word choice, and many leaders like to use the word problem, but the attitude defines how that leader will deal with the circumstances.  While a problem causes fear and worry, lots of stress and confusion, a challenge stimulates and inspires the best to emerge.

Leaders keep a big smile, as challenges come to oppose them and to encourage them to grow.


(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

Adverse situations can be faced with internal stability, and a touch of humour - Reason 19

Do you remember The Lion King[1]?  As an animated movie, it brought fresh air to an industry and company that really needed it, combining an exceptional blend of humour and tragedy.

A little spoiler alert in case you haven’t watched it!  On the way to become a king, Simba suffered a big tragedy in his life, but the way he deals with it is to just move one and enjoy a free life in jungle.

That is the inspiration part of being a leader in difficult situations: nothing is too bad so that your mood goes off.  But the leader’s wit comes from a deep sense of stability, not from carelessness or worse, by feeling disheartened.

Nobody is really invincible and yet, when you are a leader, even your worst defeat turns into an occasion for reflection and self-progress.  Maybe it is the fact that a person who takes on a leadership mind-set will have truth by his or her side, or maybe it is the wisdom a leader builds along a life’s journey…  Whatever it is, obstacles in front of a leader become part of that journey’s landscape.

Isn’t it good to be a leader?  A leader is merged in a lead role of a hero movie and you just know the end will be brilliant!

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

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[1] The Lion King was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation in 1994.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King

A failure will turn into an opportunity - Reason 18

Who likes a failure?  Very few people, if there is even one, because it is not only the moment a failure happens, but it is possible the impact stays with the person for some time, affecting life in general.

But, if you are a leader, a failure is seen as a wonderful chance to do the same in a different way, or taken as a good signal to change what you do.

Failure activates an ambiguous response from any person.  On one hand, this individual just wants to crawl under some rock and hope people will forget he or she even exists.  It is like sensing a knot in the stomach, but the person knows thata won’t stop so soon, as there are consequences to be faced too.

On the other hand, a boost of energy comes, trying to find a solution and a way out of this situation.  It is at that moment that being a leader is an advantage: by using true leadership qualities, she or he is able to calm down and to focus on the new possibilities ahead.

Failure turns into an opportunity, a moment when a leader discovers something great about the self.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)