Why the Leader must have the broadest vision ?
Perhaps, that should read – why only people with the broadest vision can and should become Leaders !
In it’s most profound and by it’s most revered definition, Leadership is close to exercising power on behalf of the Divine. A very apt definition of parenthood says : “God couldn’t be everywhere, and so he created parents.” In a similar manner the Almighty , perhaps, prefers to empower certain privileged human beings with the wherewithal to perform some humane tasks – such as the development and amelioration of the human race.
Power, unbridled power, that persons in select positions enjoy, over several lesser others can only be justified if used to the maximum good. If power was meant for personal aggrandisement and the privilege of a few, wouldn’t the Almighty also not have abdicated the right of complete control over one’s fate on such fortunate individuals ? The Almighty thereby signals – selective power over others is yours but the ultimate power over you is mine ! Therefore, into positions of power is built the inherent capability, capacity and predilection to do good to others ; Power was never meant as Personal Power – rather –‘ Impersonal Power’ meant for the maximum good.
At the root of every human activity lies the seeds of advancement of the human race and the elite that control and direct such activity, as Leaders, therefore cannot but be blessed with the vision to see where such activity is headed and where it should. Surely, activity for it’s own sake or for the purpose of narrow economic or social gain is rather a petty world view for a Leader. As one in whom power is vested for the largest common good, a Leader must find meaning and purpose far beyond the balance sheet.
Leadership not attuned to a larger purpose than the product, the profit and the immediate public prize, betrays a poverty of mind not aligned to the Divine calling that Leadership is about. Product, profit and the instant prize are but inconsequential pit stops in the route map to an evolved race of humans, humans who are at the very least offered the dignity and respect due to the person supposedly created in the image and likeness of the Creator. In real terms a Leaders self – appraisal should revolve around - How many people attained purpose and potential ? How many were raised from poverty to abundance ? How many lives were salvaged ? How much social impact created ? How many dreams nurtured ?
Every true Leader must have a ‘mountain – top’ experience, where he is awed and humbled by a vision of the depth and breadth of his inheritance. As he plans and prepares in the loneliness endemic to his calling, he must keep that main purpose before his mind’s eye. Lesser mortals will grapple with the commerce, setting true direction and purpose and changing a corner of his world is truly the Leader’s vocation.
“The Human Experience makes a Leader Divine !”