10 top quotes on Leadership

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS:

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER:

You do not lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.

FAYE WATTLETON:

The only safe ship in a storm is leadership.

HENRIK IBSEN:

A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.

JOHN GARDNER:

Most important, leaders can conceive and articulate goals that lift people out of their petty preoccupations and unite them in pursuit of objectives worthy of their best efforts.

RALPH NADER:

I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON:

Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others.

ROSALYNN CARTER:

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be.

STEPHEN COVEY:

Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.

WALTER LIPPMAN:

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.

Thoughts on Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more,

learn more, do more and become more, 

you are a leader. 

John Quincy Adams 

I do admire some people who displays strong leadership in the organisation. There may not be the smartest, the bravest or the strongest, but they do possess a big heart for people. They want to see people succeed. I have personally met a few of them in my life , though they may not be given social status recognition for their commitment to the people, it did not bothered them so much. One such person is my maternal grandfather Matthew Hunggim who was a cathecist, a teacher and a friend in need. 

My mother never seem to get tired of telling me the many interesting stories about my late grandfather. He was a very compassionate person that would assist people who are in need and he is known for his hospitality. He was involve in the building of the mission school and the church in Kuala Penyu, a remote and  isolated village then. 

Today, people can buy recognition  with money. In the secular world, we recognise people who have the most money. The more money you have, you are perceive as a successful person thus making you as a leader. Some people donate big amount to charitable organization and get free publicity. In fact what seems a lot of money by others may not be to them. It could be a tiny fraction of their true wealth. A person who has the last 10 dollars in their pocket and give it all away, is more charitable then the earlier  person. It is not the quantity but rather the sacrifice made. It is clear today, that we hear  nations with  leaders clinging to position for  power at the expense of it's people. Money and greed have clouded the eyes of such people.

I like the above quote because it reminds me that the effectiveness of the leader is evident in the people he leads. My grandfather's silent deed has touches many life's in the village and made a difference. 

The Man who walks his talk

"Mr. Cheah want to see you" a school mate told me . I was in form two then (26 years go) and the disturbing message causes my heart to pound fast and hard against my fragile chest. I though to myself "what have I done wrong?" The late Constantine Cheah is the school disciplinary teacher and the vice principal. His dressing is his personal trademark. Dressed up in white collared short sleeve shirt and with long white pants, with a cane tucked under his arm. His presence can send shivers to every students as he was a tall, thin and stern looking man. As St Anthony was a missionary school in the earlier years, discipline and respect for others are important daily practices to be strictly observed. Silent befalls the room everytime he passes the classroom corridor.

Mustering up my courage , I knocked and entered his small but tidy office. "Good morning Sir" my tiny voice sounded. " He looked at me with a smile and said " Would you like to play the organ on Sunday? I was relieve of his question. I agreed and Mr Cheah reassured me that he would hand me the song hymms 2 weeks earlier so I have ample time to practice.

Then, I just started learning to play the keyboard a few months back from my good friend Januarius and an exceptionally talented musician name Joseph. My music talent is self taught with hours and hours of practice. I did not own a keyboard then and I practice in the church just beside the school during my break and sometimes I had to walk 3KM to church for practice from home. For me, it was a joy and passion.

Father John Var Der Salm (Left) with Constantine Cheah (Right)

I am truly grateful that during his lifetime he gave me the opportunity when no one did. Surprisingly the more I got to know him, I found him to be a kind, encouraging and supportive person. He was a pious man who lived a life of celibacy and he is very involved in the Blessed Sacrament Church administration. When I was 13 years old, he became my Godfather during my confirmation rites, someone I wanted to emulate. Unfortunately He died in 1989 after battling with cancer. He was only 47 years old. The church pews was filled till the church entrance as if there was a mass being said on that day. Everyone came to pay their last respect and what touches me the most, is the fact that he selected the readings, the song hymms , and wrote his parting words for his own funeral. He was prepared.

I can still recall the song that he selected " The Lord is my shepherd" His parting words expressed " I have not reached my goal but GOD has other plans for me ".

Constantine Cheah Teck Seng is but an exemplify of a servant leader who is dedicated to service above self and a person who walks his talk.

As I write this post, I am reminded that a good deed done however small to another person can make a difference in that person's life. What good deed have you done today that can make a difference?

Mentor - The hand that guided me

20 years ago , my younger me then was very active in the youth movement in the catholic church. I was the chairman of the youth movement and organised many events for the youth. The social concerns and issues then were very much milder when compare with today's concerns. Our role in the youth movement was to raise awareness of the problems such as the preservation of our faith, danger of alcoholism and smoking and organise character and faith building seminars. Today's issues can be seen in the news media about the rise in single parenting due to unprotected premarital sex, divorce rate has gone up which lead to broken families, pornographic material easily available through the net and etc.

As the social problem is on the rise, we need more and more people to come forward to be the guiding hand. Parents need to take quality time to teach strong moral values to their children. As a parent myself, I cannot continue to give excuse that I do not have time reason being, work commitment. Isn't it ironic, we have all the inventions in the world to help us save time and yet we have less time.

I was glad then , I had a counselor, a friend and a mentor who offeed guidance in my late teens and early adult life. A person whom I can openly talk too and consult with when I was facing difficult times. Today , I want to say thank you to Sr. Francisca for taking the time to listen and provide guidance. She is a good listener and gifted in asking soul searching questions , very much focus on my personal feelings towards the issues. As I try to answer the questions myself, the solution gradually become clearer for me. I have lost contact with her since then as the Franciscan sister tend to be posted to serve in different convents on a rotational basis. I am making it my goal to locate her and give her a thank you note.