Leadership Quality Poem: The True Treasure

Subject: Leadership, leaders, delegating, Credibility, Motivation, Success

By Victor Antonio G.

Often times I run into leaders who seem to think that their primary duty is to bark orders and delegate every aspect of their job to their subordinates.  In the end most are confused on why these same subordinates don't respect them.  

The answer lies in understanding that leadership is much more than ordering others; it is also about establishing credibility with those you wish to lead.  Credibility comes from performance.  After giving it some thought, I wrote a poem about...here it is:

The True Leadership Treasure

I went on search to be a leader,
Searching high and low above the meter,
 

I spoke with authority that I remember,
All would follow, all but one member,
 

“Why should I trust you?’ the one did ask,
“What have you done to achieve the task?”
 

I thought long and hard of what I did wrong,
Then I rolled up my sleeves and worked right along,
 

Shoulder to shoulder we got things done,
We worked side by side, all were one,
 

A mate of mine stumbled, I stooped to assist,
My hand he did grab, a smile did persist,
 

One was lost, didn’t know what to do,
I showed him how, the ropes, something new
 

I praised them one and all for their work,
All were unique, but I encouraged each quirk,
 

When the task was done, one did shout
“You’re a great leader!” they all turned about,
 

"Without you there to support our plight,
Lost would we be with no end in sight",
 

I learned that day that I lead best,
When I get off my butt and help the rest,
 

To lead by example is the true treasure,
The secret of leadership, in one simple measure.
 

Victor Antonio G., December 2004

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Copyright © 2004 by Victor Antonio G.   All rights reserved.  This article MAY be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, as long as the author’s name, website and email address are included as part of the article’s body.  All inquiries, including information on electronic licensing, should be directed to Victor Antonio G. www.victorantonio.com or by email at info@victorantonio.com .