Book Platform-WIFM (What's In It For Me)
Much of what has been written about leadership today concerns describing the qualities and principles of a leader. These books may tell you about the qualities you need to become a leader, but that's not enough. You need to know how to acquire superior leadership qualities- the process for becoming a hero-leader. Principles without programs are platitudes. A set of qualities without a process for acquiring those qualities is worthless. BE A HERO takes you on a Quest, a process to self discovery. It's a journey that will test you, challenge you, and shake you to the very core of your being, and there may be times when you think you're being challenged beyond your ability to carry on. But, if you complete the Quest, you will become a better husband/wife/son/daughter, your will become a better manager/leader/follower, and you will become a better human being … You will become a hero.
A).Vision Quest-Visioning (receiving a vision) -
You discover opportunities and challenge the status quo … you see what is and wonder what could be. You can also see the forest for the trees (consider the whole situation and yet simplify the complex).
B). Selecting you Team -
You select you team of who you will take on this great journey. You empower them with a vested interest, a sense of ownership.Everyone sees the same vision as you. Every-one has a clear idea of the vision quest (as in King Arthur and the Round Table, the Holy Grail appeared to everyone). The vision has power to create commitment (an example: Lincoln finally found a cause worth fighting for and empowered his troops with the Proclamation of Emancipation.
You also foster an atmosphere of cooperation, win-win solutions, trust, integrity, and honesty. You put others interest before your own. You tolerate failure because you know that it is a natural part of the quest … it is these challenges (test) that your team (brave knights) must endure to become victorious.
The Quest (path) to authentic leadership is long, narrow, and dangerous. Few choose to leave the comforts of what they know to discover their true purpose, their mission.
If you are willing, you will receive a vision, you will leave your comfort zone, you will go on a journey to discover truths that few witness or understand. There will be challenges, casualties and defeats along the way, as people who once stood side-by-side with your old, self-absorbed self fall by the wayside, victims of your search for truth and compassion. You'll be seduced by the song of the Siren, hopping to distract you from your Quest for understanding. You will meet your ultimate foe, your dragon, your Medusa, your ego, and if you are victorious and slay the beast, you will emerge from the lair victorious … an authentic human being … a hero. You are now prepared to complete your purpose in this life … your life's mission … your vision … for the boon of all mankind. You have obtained the Golden Fleece, the Holy Grail for the people. You can realize your dreams and the dreams of your followers. You are transformed into the authentic leader-the hero.
A). Answering the Call -
You and your team are passionate about their vision … action oriented …energized. King Arthur told his knight that it was time to leave the creature comforts of Camelot and set out on an adventure). The leader is available, understanding, and enthusiastic… in short a role model.
B). Crossing the Threshold -
Alignment of attitudes, values and beliefs. Your behaviors and the behaviors of your team reflect this alignment. You journey outside your comfort zone, your Camelot, to see the rest of the world …the real world. You develop trust and respect with customers, shareholders, the public, and the media. You become socially responsible. You recognize your bias and stereotyping. You learn to respect the language and culture of others.
C). The Belly of the Whale -
You and your team encounter the challenges and have the bravery and tenacity to carry on. What is the vision that you will defend to death. You will stick to an unpopular Vision Quest because it is right. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". BE A HERO teaches you how to cope in the toughest of times. You never lose your authentic self … each challenge gets you closer and closer to authenticity.
Throughout the book we use Greek, Norse, and Celtic mythology to explain this process, this journey to true leadership. These ancient myths contain symbolism that can still be used to convey universal truths. Myth surrounds us. It is evident in the books and movies we watch. It is evident is the unfolding of world events and the shaping of our modern day heroes. We explore the mysterious resemblance of mythological heroes and their quest to leaders throughout history. Each of these real life individuals followed the mythological pattern and emerged a better leader, victorious over insurmountable obstacles, a hero. We also, look at modern day leaders, their challenges and victories to bring home the lessons to everyone. Through the stories of mythological heroes, true life heroes throughout history and modern common day heroes you can find connection to brave souls who have also faced incredible hardships and overwhelming odds, only to emerge victorious.
A). Entering the Lair -
You enter the Lair of the Dragon, the dungeon of the Medusa and slay your ego. You are engaging in an ongoing process of self reflection, analyzing your mistakes and charter and new course of action. We become Emotionally Intelligent by seeing ourselves for the first time in the mirror of our shields (as Jason). We slay the dragon (our ego) every time it raises its ugly head … and because it has many heads; we have to re-slay our ego often.
B). Emerging From the Dragon's Lair -
You exit from the dragon's lair and authentic person. Your life is balanced. You engage in a self renewing lifestyle. You read and attend workshops to re-charge your battery. You take time in your life to think about what is important. You no longer walk the walk of the living dead. You are present and aware of those around you … you are aware of life. You set priorities in your public and private life.
True heroes teach us about compassion, love, and hope-and the importance of having a purpose greater than ourselves. My purpose … the books purpose … to connect you to universal principles of truth and awareness. In our modern world, society exalts the individual above all else, with little regard to the rest of society. Perhaps that's why so many of today's leaders are greedy, self-absorbed buffoons, intent on getting as much as they can, regardless of the injury to stockholders, employees, customers, fans or family. True heroes are not self-absorbed, but rather, absorbed in the human condition. They have a special vision of humanity. They share their vision and humanity recognizes its truth. Each of us is capable of becoming such a hero. Each of us can become a dreamer, and dream a great adventure-one that will transform you into the type of person who can make a positive difference in the world. You're willing to face your deepest fears and the fierceness of your ego-that part of you that's always tried to manipulate and control those around you. You're willing to give up egocentric behavior and begin to lead by example, showing compassion for your associates and embracing diversity. You're going to become the type of hero-leader that people will naturally follow because they can see the definitiveness of your purpose and the strength of your conviction to truth and just treatment for all. You will become the humble, compassionate hero-leader. Now is the time to claim your destiny … accept the call …you know that the vision and hope of humanity is rooting for you.
|
Welcome Home -
You have completed and yet the challenge is not over. You must continue on your quest for self discovery and awareness, your spiritual quest, your knowledge quest, your quest to become a better manager, a better spouse or parent, a quest to become a better leader, a quest to become a better human being …
A HERO! |
|
|
