It’s sad that so many people actually seem to feel this way. I’ve met some very talented people who failed to capitalize on great opportunities because their arrogance precluded them from understanding the importance of other’s contributions.  

I think much can  be learned from scripture about leadership:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”Eph 6:10-18 NIV

I think much can  be learned from scripture about leadership:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”Eph 6:10-18 NIV

If I had been given the pleasure of the opportunity to have known General Patton, I’m sure I would have developed a love hate relationship with him. He was brilliant on many levels and challenged on others. I loved his passion, candor, intellect, and distaste for politics,. I struggled with with his impulsivity and ego. Like all humans he had strengths and weaknesses, but unlike many, he made the most out of his strengths. All in all, I’m a fan. Thanks for sharing.

Amen – thanks for sharing Tanveer. 

While reading your piece, one thought that kept coming to my mind was how the word leadership starts with the verb “lead”, which last time I checked means to guide or show the way, not duck for cover or deflect blame to others when things go afoul.

One can’t expect someone to lead others through tough times if they can’t guide or show themselves the way out of a mess.

Hi Charl:

Thanks for your kind words. Nothing good happens when leaders become too self-involved, yet so many fall into this trap. It’s an outward focus that gets things accomplished, and the best leaders always seem to have an intrinsic understanding of this. Thanks again for sharing Charl.