There are some similarities here with other models of leadership, notably Conscious Leadership, when Peter talks about leading with ‘the heart, the head and the hands’. And the concept that, when you are in the thick of it, trust matters at least as much as competence certainly resonated strongly with me. Being in a team, and leading a team is about the people you are with not just the skills they have.
What lessons can be drawn from Peter’s stories? The first is that we shouldn’t overthink leadership. Rather we should take notice of it and learn from it whenever we see people attempting to do difficult things differently. Second, we should see leadership not as a personal ambition but as something done or expressed in the service of others rather than self. It is a human and humane endeavour. And perhaps the main point, third, is you have to try something in the first place in order to succeed or fail at all. Because, ultimately ‘legacies are created, and books are written, about those who find a reason to do something’ rather than about the procrastinators. To Peter, it is compassion, commitment and resolve that leaders can use to change the world, whilst shutting out self doubt, negative thoughts and especially the limiting chat of others.
Published by Wiley
Reviewed by Neil Hayward, Founder/Owner Relevant HR Ltd
