[November 22, 2014] Growing up I read many a tale written by Ancient Greek philosophers. While I will admit not fully understanding them as a child, those stories held wisdom that I would only later appreciate as a mature adult and leader. Æsop’s fables were popular and for some reason his story about The Four Oxen and the Lion1 stuck with me. The message? “United we stand, divided we fall.” This is an enduring truth that traces throughout all human history. Leaders know this and thus the maxim of the truest leader is that a leader unites all.
The primary focus of any leader is to pull everyone together – this is paramount. Whether it’s to complete a mission or just to achieve a simple task, leaders ensure that people with different ideas and motivations cooperate to the good of all. When people are divided, the ends cannot be achieved. In the United States we historically put emphasis on uniting everyone and this is captured in our motto E pluribus unum (“one out of many). Standing united means standing strong. Songs are written about it2, 3 and we read about it in the Bible4.
Uniting people does not mean that they all must agree but that they all strive toward cooperation and understanding. People can have different inspirations and perspectives and still work together toward the same goal. It is the leader’s responsibility to make this happen. Ever hear of a politician that once elected only supports his own party? This is rare because they recognize that they will need the cooperation and support of their constituency for future decisions and getting reelected.
The most common tactic of a good leader is to be teacher, mentor, and coach. They do this by promoting thinking and understanding, earning the trust and respect of everyone, and by doing so with passion. This sends a positive message that everyone is important and makes a significant contribution to the whole. Leaders have a choice … they either strive to unite everyone or not.
The pinnacle of the great leaders is to unite all.
The truest leader unites all.
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[1] Æsop. (Sixth century B.C.) Fable “The Four Oxen and the Lion.” http://www.bartleby.com/17/1/52.html
[2] Tony Hiller and Peter Simmons’ “United We Stand” 1970 hit song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=460INShy3BU
[3] John Dickinson’s “Liberty Song” published on July 18, 1768 in the Boston Gazette – http://allthingsliberty.com/2014/03/the-liberty-song/
[4] The English Standard Bible, Mark 3:25 – “And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”