what it takes to lead

isn't it always the issue of how one should be a leader? every so often i hear about leadership and how that will help you accomplish great things, well mostly work-wise.. and definitely it's a big thing around b-schools.. recall those essays about how you have developed and demonstrated leadership skills and how you planned to use that during and after your mba.. sometimes i wonder how all leaders can be together - who's going to follow if everyone wants to take the lead?

well, leave that for the moment, and i want to share a quote which i got from a movie.. i don't suppose you have seen it, judging from the number of my friends here who showed interest (which was none hehe).. but here, lead is in the context of dancing.. the instructor simply said to a guy, who tried to learn how to lead his partner.. "Do not dominate her, but take her on a journey." somehow i like how that sounds, and not just in the dance context but in other aspects of life.. do not dominate, for doing so will not help but rather lead you to step on each other's toes.. make it a journey, and you both will enjoy the experience together and cherish the memorable moments.. i think there is no need to define who the leader and the follower is.. like when the guy steps forward first, it doesn't have to mean he is dominant.. what's important is for the two to move together in coordination.. i do not claim to know how ballroom dancing works, but i sure believe what is in the mind of those who dance will be reflected in their movements.. imagine how graceful the couple would be when the man creates a journey and earns the woman's trust.. she can then dance with confidence in her partner and can fully express herself..

and now that i have gone on and on relating dance to life, i think i want to end with that.. leadership and mba, nah.. might be too boring for you guys :) let's just say, in all the good leaders there is an element of a follower.. and that is through opening up and listening to others.. think about the experience and the result.. if you want things done the way you do alone, then you might as well dance by yourself..