The ABC’s of Leadership (Day 24): Xesturgy

It is the art of mankind to polish the world, and everyone who works is scrubbing in some part. (Henry David Thoreau)

 

Day 24 – ‘X’

Today’s leadership concept is based on an ‘outdated’ word.  Not found in most dictionaries, xesturgy means ‘to polish, as with stones’.

What do polishing stones and leadership have in common? The answer may surprise you.

What tried to demolish me, I allowed to polish me. (India.Arie)

Time and pressure transform create diamonds.  Your team members are the future of your organization.  Their ideas, talents and energy are gifts – unwrap them with your kindness, and by investing your time.

In “It’s Not The CEO, It’s The Leadership Strategy That Matters”, Forbes.com contributor Josh Bersin’s  asserts that “CEOs come and go. But leadership, if developed in a comprehensive way, endures.”  Bersin also noted “high performing companies understand that execution takes place at the grass roots level. It is the line managers, supervisors, and middle managers who make things happen.”

A leader’s greatest responsibilities is growing other leaders.  Strong leaders identify, and nurture future leaders.  Understand their strengths, growth opportunities, training needs, and regularly water and fertilize them.  Grooming leaders is a labor of love, and the fruits are endless.

Want more on leadership? Check out my partner Dale Richardson’s thoughts in his Live the Goals podcast here!

 

“The ABC’s of Leadership” is a web series highlighting principles of leadership.

Each day, we’ll highlight a new focus area and concept.  Done in partnership with Dale Richardson, a Podcast Host and John Maxwell Team certified speaker, trainer and coach, we’ll also offer a podcast exploring each idea further.

Tune in daily!