The Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was born into a relatively modest family, on a provincial island, far from the centres of power. Yet despite these humble beginnings, and in a time of massive upheaval and change, he somehow managed to become one of the greatest political and military leaders the world has ever seen.
What was the philosophy of leadership that enabled him do this?
Napoleon put it simply:
“A leader is a dealer in hope.”
No matter what situation you face, your first task in a time of change is to inspire hope and inspiration — first in yourself, then in others. To show that something better is possible. And then to create a vision of hope that inspires you and other people to long to make it happen.
With this attitude, and skill, you and others can then use this time of change to become stronger and more valuable, antifragile.
What steps do you take each day to create hope and inspiration — in yourself and others? Would it be useful to learn the seven steps to achieving this?
Adapted from Inner Leadership: a framework and tools for building inspiration in times of change.
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