Dreaming and thinking big are essential to visionary leadership. All true leaders have the ability to articulate their vision for the future. Vision is the ability to see things, as they should be, not as they are. Rudyard Kipling clearly understood the importance of vision. He knew that one’s vision must compel action and drive change. The fifth couplet from his classic poem ‘If-’encourages us to dream and think.
In the fourth couplet of his poem ‘If-,’ Rudyard Kipling wrote: “Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;” Kipling is telling us that as leaders, we must be willing to put our cause or beliefs ahead of our personal gain. He is reminding us that true leadership requires a degree of selflessness. It requires us to put our cause and those we lead ahead of ourselves.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of ‘If-’ by Rudyard Kipling. His words remain relevant and his advice endures. As you read the poem, consider the power and the wisdom it conveys. Now think about how to use the lessons that it offers.
We often hear leaders described as having character. What exactly do we mean by character, and why does it matter? The fact is that character can be extremely discomforting to discuss. The challenge is that character is rooted in very personal (and often polarizing) subjects – values and beliefs. It is easy to come across as either self-righteous or irresolute. That said, character is an essential to leadership attribute.
Leaders understand that crisis is inevitable. More than that, leaders know that crisis is a major driver of change, and change is essential to leadership. Leaders also understand that crisis often leads to panic, and panic can be devastating. In his poem ‘If-’, Rudyard Kipling offers this challenge: “If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;” Kipling’s first line from ‘If-’ encourages his readers to prepare for crisis. He also point out that other won’t prepare. “They will lose their head.” Finally, he points out that blame is an inevitable part of panic, and every leader understands that being a leader means that the blame will be directed at them.