‘Correction’ is the mantra every great leader lives by. A President offers corrections to his staff after a hearing or a meeting (although it is not called that), a basketball coach corrects the players constantly during practice, a conductor corrects his orchestra-players during rehearsal, a movie director is endlessly correcting the stars and supporting actors on set, and a master photographer is correcting his/her model every second during a photo-shooting. It can be done with a smile, a loving word, an inspiring gesture or with a loud and demanding voice, but the end-purpose is the same: when in a position of leadership, the successful leader needs to know better than others how things should be done, as he/she empowers others to follow his/her vision.
Which is why the idea of a place where you will not need to do any fixing, repair or modification, is seriously appealing to anyone considering him/herself a high achiever.
Now, imagine a place where your needs are in perfect harmony with what is offered already… a place where everybody knows why he/she is there and what purpose it serves… a place where time is not important since you will be there enjoying yourself and the surroundings forever, as your very existence is magnified through an even greater purpose! Wouldn’t that be a dream? No wonder it is supposed to be so hard to enter that club! Only those of the finest character and ‘doing’ might be entitled to a residency. This is what Heaven might be, if it actually exists.
If you are a religious person, you must surely believe in its existence. And if you are a critical thinker, you are probably trying to make sense of its purpose. The reality of it is that if it exists, you definitely want to be included later on. And if it doesn’t, you definitely want to live your life as if it did! Nothing could make you a better friend, better professional, a better leader, and above all, a better human being.
This might explain why so many managers ask ‘How can one lead successfully in the current social and economic climate and remain a good person’? In Translation… how can one lead successfully in THIS life without endangering their entry to Heaven?! In my opinion, the question should be reversed. How can you possibly hope to lead in this life without following and representing an example as great as the entity entitled to Heaven entrance?
You may push but not offend. You may demand but only out of the best intentions. You may direct others as long as you apologize for any wrong-doing you did. You may Lead as long as your army understands you are a soldier as well, rubbing shoulders with the rest of the crew. The great modern leader has no time for egocentric theatrics or panicking attacks (same coin, different side), and no energy to waste on endless discussions repeating the same core issues. True Empathy, self-awareness and sheer determination are qualities needed everywhere, and increasingly rare ones. Even in Heaven probably…