I was looking through some notes in my personal development notebook today and I was transported back over ten years ago to an experience I had listening to a development program.

I was living in another town and very early in an entrepreneurial venture, which is another way of saying I didn’t have much money at the time.  I listened to a program by Earl Nightingale, a classic motivational speaker who had already passed away back in 1989.  The program was called Lead the Field and I can still remember being struck by Earl’s statement that the vast majority of people never dedicate themselves to excellence, to leading the field in their chosen endeavor.  Whether that be education, business or social service, most people start with dreams and ideals and then abandon the goal before realizing them.

I have noticed that leaders at some point have to embrace in their mind that they are a leader.  The mindset of leadership is not necessarily about domination or competition, though many leaders exhibit those traits.  The mindset of all leaders, however, encompasses a certain independence of thinking, a willingness to take independent action and not follow the crowd.  Leaders often face a long path with difficulties and setbacks which challenged their convictions, their dedication and commitment.  The leader presses on in the face of these.

I’m thankful to Earl Nightingale for sharing his observations and being an agent of positive provocation in my own life.  What is your own view about what is indispensable in the mindset of every leader you’ve ever known?