“Do leaders go to leadership school?”

I am a firm believer that “actions speak louder than words.”

A leech is known by its blood-sucking deed. A kind person is known by his deeds of kindness. Hence, a leader is known by his – or her – deeds of leadership.

A wise elder reminds me that when I act out of love and compassion, it might not be what my recipient wants. For example, a drug addict may want more drugs. But is it an act of love to supply more drugs to that addict? Or is it mere indulgence?

I hope I am giving them what they need, not merely what they want.

Note to myself: be prepared to be disliked. “The cost of influence is criticism.”

Further reading:

  1. Seth Godin. “Tribes: we need you to lead us.” (2008).
  2. Rich Karlgaard and Michael S. Malone. “Team Genius: The new science of high-performing organizations.” (2015).
  3. Ong-Ang Ai Boon with Janice Tai. “It's not me: 40 years as director of The Association of Banks in Singapore”. (2023).
  4. Mark Boyle. “The moneyless man: A year of freeconomic living.” (2010).
  5. The Buddha. “The eight worldly conditions”.