The late John W. Gardner, a cabinet member who served under President Lyndon B. Johnson, gave us these wise words:
“The first and last task of a leader is to keep hope alive—the hope that we can finally find our way through to a better world—despite the day’s action, despite our own inertness, shallowness, and wavering resolve.”
No matter your politics, no matter whether you’re rejoicing, mourning, or indifferent over this week’s transition of power in the US government, you and every single person on this planet needs hope. We all need “the hope that we can finally find our way through to a better world.”
Create, nurture, and keep hope alive—this is a universal leadership principle and mandate. Without hope, effective leadership and progress is impossible. Leaders must keep hope alive.
As the great general Napoleon said, “Leaders are dealers in hope.” I like that statement. I hope you remember it and apply it every day throughout all of your leadership activities and responsibilities. LEADERS ARE INDEED DEALERS IN HOPE!
No matter how you feel about this week and current events, choose to lead, model, and teach those you influence to embrace hope!
