About a dozen years ago, as I was learning the ropes of what I now call “21st Century Leadership“, someone told me I needed to be more “statesmanlike” in my approach. I found that to be a most perplexing adjective, for I had never heard that within the context of a business before. I had always put “statesman” in the political context, as befitting it’s primary definition (courtesy of Dictionary.com):
“A person who is experienced in the art of government or versed in the administration of government affairs.”
So I asked this person what he meant by the term. What I got in return was one of the best leadership lessons I’ve ever received.
Fact was, back then I had a not-so-good habit of sometimes blurting out thoughts that should have stayed in the recesses of my brain, and I was being called on it. Thus the connection to being a statesman.
If you dig a little deeper in the dictionary, which I certainly did after this conversation, you’ll find the essence of the leadership lesson. You see phrases like “great wisdom and ability” and “respected leader“.
After a lot of soul searching and self-reflection, it eventually hit me – I needed to exhibit a more mature, “wisdom infused” demeanor that inspired greater respect. The way to do this was to be more self-aware – to really be able to see myself as others may see me. To use my past learning experiences in the “art of management” to guide me.
This process instilled in me a new mindset, and all I had to do to put it in the front of my mind and act on it was to recall a single word- “statesmanlike“.
It’s now my daily filter, and as I now mentor those teammates who are on their own leadership journeys, I always stress to be “ever the statesman“, no matter how tough and frustrating the circumstances may be.
It’s a most effective mental image to use, and it has served me well. I hope it can be of help to you too.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
You are an excellent statesman, Terry.
I would be doing quite good to attain such a level of control.
This is great. I’ve always believed that statesmen are not made in the high offices fo government; they are not made in presidential palaces and certainly not in state houses. They are made from something they have within – a rare quality that distinguishes them from the masses. They are made from an inner virtue that multiplies their value to society. They do not need titles, medals, certificates or degress, They have what it takes to be statemen – honor!
Herman Najoli, October 2001, in a speech to commemorate the ‘Week of the Ring” for the intern class of the Honor Academy in Garden Valley, Texas.
Thanks Jesse and Herman for stopping by (as always).
Jesse, you are too kind. I just try to remember these kind of lessons every day.
Herman, you got it exactly right. True statesmen have honor. So well said, and thanks for sharing it.
All the best!