We Cannot Lead Others Without First Leading From Within | Lolly Daskal | TEDxLincolnSquare

Summary

This inspiring speech challenges the traditional image of leadership as a solitary figure with power. It emphasizes that true leaders are those who empower others, exemplified by historical figures like Alexander the Great and Martin Luther King Jr. The speaker stresses that leadership is an internal quality, rooted in self-understanding and values. Success in leadership comes from leading from within, which allows one to inspire hope, success, and service to others. The speech encourages everyone to recognize their potential to lead, not through external accolades, but through a commitment to personal values and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Leadership is often perceived as a dynamic figure standing alone, commanding a crowd, but true leadership is about inspiring others to follow due to high personal standards.
• 📜 The admiration for leaders is rooted in their ability to hold themselves to high standards, which in turn motivates others to do the same.
• 🏰 Alexander the Great's leadership was exemplified not by his conquests, but by his ability to empower others and lead by example, such as sharing in the hardship of his troops.
• 💡 Leadership is an internal quality that manifests externally. It's about leading from within, understanding oneself, and using personal values to guide actions.
• 🔍 To become a great leader, one must introspect and answer the question 'who am I?', understanding personal values and sacrifices that define one's identity.
• 🌪️ Every individual faces challenges, and having a strong set of values acts as an inner compass, guiding through these storms.
• 🌱 Leaders are not born with power; they are made through the cultivation of values, virtues, principles, and character.
• 🌈 Leadership is not exclusive to a select few; it is a potential that resides in everyone, waiting to be unlocked.
• 🤝 Great leaders inspire hope, success, and the ability to do the unthinkable in others, demonstrating that leadership is about empowerment and service.
• 💡 The transformation to becoming a great leader begins with self-reflection, understanding one's values, and committing to serving oneself and others.

Q & A

What is the common misconception about leadership according to the speaker?

The common misconception is that leadership is about a dynamic one person standing alone, speaking passionately to a crowd, and being elevated to a high position. The speaker argues that leadership is not about the position one holds but about the high standards one sets for oneself and inspiring others to do the same.

How did Alexander the Great demonstrate leadership in the Persian desert?

Alexander the Great demonstrated leadership by refusing to drink water when his troops were thirsty, showing solidarity and prioritizing the needs of his troops over his own.

What does the speaker suggest is the true measure of a leader's greatness?

The true measure of a leader's greatness is not about having power or conquering nations, but about the ability to empower others, inspire hope, and success, and to conquer one's own instincts to think that leaders are superior.

What is the internal quality that the speaker believes is essential for leadership?

The internal quality essential for leadership, according to the speaker, is the ability to lead from within, which involves understanding one's values, having a solid set of principles, and developing an inner architecture or core inner compass.

Why did the speaker's great-great-grandfather, Rabbi Zushe, express anxiety on his deathbed?

Rabbi Zushe was anxious because he feared that in heaven, he would be judged not by how similar he was to other great figures like Abraham or Moses, but by how well he lived up to his own potential and identity as Rabbi Zushe.

What does the speaker suggest is the starting point for becoming a great leader?

The speaker suggests that the starting point for becoming a great leader is understanding 'who' one is, which involves self-awareness, acknowledging one's strengths and weaknesses, and having a clear sense of one's values and principles.

What does the speaker mean by 'leading from within'?

Leading from within means developing a strong sense of self, understanding one's values and principles, and using this internal compass to guide one's actions and decisions, which in turn allows one to inspire and empower others.

How does the speaker define leadership?

The speaker defines leadership as an internal quality that is not reserved for the select few but exists within everyone, and it is developed through values, virtues, principles, and character.

What is the role of self-sacrifice in the speaker's view of leadership?

In the speaker's view, self-sacrifice is a critical aspect of leadership, as demonstrated by leaders like Alexander the Great who put the needs of others before their own, inspiring loyalty and dedication in their followers.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of knowing oneself in the context of leadership?

The speaker emphasizes knowing oneself because self-awareness is the foundation for developing a strong sense of identity, values, and principles, which are essential for effective leadership and the ability to inspire and serve others.

What is the speaker's advice for those who aspire to be great leaders?

The speaker advises aspiring leaders to start by understanding their own identity, values, and principles, and to lead from within. They should also be willing to serve themselves first, which will enable them to serve others more effectively.