The sign said, "No swimming." But does that really mean what it says? Does it really apply to me?
Its important for the quality leader to be able to read the signs of life around him or her, but also to give heed to them as well. In the busyness of our day, what kinds of signs might we see at work?
For example, there are signs of character that might not be seen by the eye, but are surely posted in our mind:
* Are we being honest? Are our lives marked by integrity?
* Are we treating those with whom we work kindly and with respect? Do we operate under the "golden rule?"
* Are we putting in an honest day's work? Or our our minds far away as productive time slips away?
It is one thing to know what to do (read the sign). It is far different when we obey what it says.
A quality leader has the courage to read the sign.
A quality leader believes in the message of the sign.
A quality leader is passionate about the purpose of the sign.
A quality leader shows leadership when he or she encourages others to read and heed the message of the sign.
Paying attention to the signs of life and heeding each message is a mark of a quality leader. Getting others to follow you is called influence. It is an even greater achievement when you lead others down the right path, teaching them to read and observe the signs along the way.
