Oct
30
Martin Luther King, Jr., on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times is written by Donald T. Phillips, a well known author that writes leadership biographies highlighting leadership principles and practices, some of his other books include “Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times” and “The Founding Fathers on Leadership: Classic Teamwork in Changing Times“.
This book is a biography on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. that communicates powerful and insightful leadership principles and practices. Those who be unfamiliar with the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Wikipedia summarises his accomplishments as follows:
“Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) was an American political activist, the most famous leader of the American civil rights movement, and a Baptist minister. Considered a peacemaker throughout the world for his promotion of nonviolence and equal treatment for different races, he received the Nobel Peace Prize before he was assassinated in 1968. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter in 1977, the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004, and in 1986, Martin Luther King Day was established in his honor. King’s most influential and well-known speech is the “I Have A Dream” speech.”
Martin Luther King Jr. was a great leader, he lead by being the change he wanted to see in the world.
“People are often lead to causes and often become committed to great ideas through persons who personify those ideas. They have to find the embodiment of the idea in flesh and blood in order to commit themselves to it” - Martin Luther King, Jr. February 13, 1961
This was the life of Martin Luther King, a life committed to a cause and a life that all leaders can learn from.
Overview
PART I: PREPARING TO LEAD
1. First Listen: Lead by Being Lead
It’s important for leaders to listen to the people, to allow themselves to be led by what they hear then rise up and set the direction. “connecting with people is something at which all leaders must excel if they are to be successful….. listening has four major benefits ….. It 10 builds trust, 2) facilitates understanding of the people’s aspirations and expectations, 3) enables learning, and 4) fosters connection and rapport with others”
2. Persuade Through Love and Nonviolence
Leadership cannot be forced onto people, they must be inspired to follow. Using violence, power, position and authority to lead people is a short-term approach resulting from a lack of understanding.
“the only real power a leader must possess is the power to persuade….” Martin often stated that “it is essential to understand that our aim is to persuade….. We will try to persuade with our words, but if our words fail, we will try to persuade with our acts…”
3. Learn, Learn, Learn
Leaders are learners, leaders are committed to personal development and continuous improvement, “…learning and leadership go hand in hand; so much so that, in fact a poor learning cannot possibly be a good leader.” Martin Luther King Jr. was constantly reflecting on his decisions and learning, he said in an interview, “I subject myself to endless self analysis, I question and soul-search constantly into myself to be certain as I can that I am fulfilling the true meaning of my work, that I am maintaining my sense of purpose, that I am holding fast to my ideals, that I am guiding my people in the right direction.”
4. Master the Art of Public Speaking
Communication is an important leadership practice. Martin Luther King spent may years preparing, practicing and developing his ability to communicate. Public Speaking is important to all leaders to persuade, educate, build support and inspire action. When Martin Luther King spoke he made extensive use of stories, metaphors, similes and imagery. A great example of his public speaking ability his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which he gave to address a march in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963.
PART II: GUIDING THE MOVEMENT
5. Awaken Direct Action
Leaders inspire and motivate ‘direct action’ from their followers, leaders with a results-oritentation empower their people to act, continually reminding people to take action and to make progress. “Because leaders cannot do everything themselves, they must find ways to awaken direct action in others. Martin’s methods for achieving movement were designed not only to create positive activity from the opposition, but to inspire others to act on their own initiative….. And he also pointed out that ‘action is not in itself a virtue; its goals and its forms determine its value‘”
6. Encourage Creativity and Innovation
Leaders usually strive for visions that require change, change requires a new thinking and a new ways of getting things done. To achieve their vision leaders need creative and innovative approaches, as they are exploring and break new ground. “In leadership, as in life, innovation and creativity are tools designed for sustaining action, achievement, and change….. Great leaders clearly understand that creative endeavour is essential in a changing environment - especially in times of revolution where new problems are encountered, where new goals must be set, where new trails must be blazed….. ‘In a new era,” he also said, ‘there must be new thinking.’”
7. Involve Everyone Through Alliances, Teamwork, and Diversity
Involving people as absolutely essential. “Major social change is best achieved in groups” as “people support what they help create”
“The biggest job in getting any movement off the ground is to keep together the people who form it. This task requires more than a common aim: It demands a philosophy that wins and holds the people’s allegiance; and it depends upon open channels of communication between the people and their leaders.” - Martin Luther King Jr., 1959
Martin surrounded himself with strong leaders and held frequent meeting and retreats. “During sessions, Martin would ask questions, try not to take sides, let everyone debate and discuss - and then attempt to arrive at a consensus”
8. Set Goals and Create a Detailed Plan of Action
Martin Luther King Jr. remained focused on his goals, he used goals to stimulate action, assist in decision making and create purpose. Seven points to remember when setting goals:
- A wise leader plans before taking action.
- Goals and detailed plans facilitate the process of change.
- Plans must be in place to counteract the opposition.
- A detailed plan is needed to channel the masses and keep them headed in the same direction.
- Goals unify people.
- Goals motivate people.
- Goals stimulate action.
“When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind” - Martin Luther King Jr.
9. Be Decisive
How leaders approach decision making is important. Martin Luther King was cautious and methodical when it came to decision making, he once said, “I live with deep concern, Am I making the right decisions? Sometimes I am uncertain.” He often took time to consider all the option and discuss important decisions with his team.
“Ultimately, a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus. I would rather be a man of conviction than a man of conformity.” - Martin Luther King Jr., March 31, 1968
PART III: WINNING WITH PEOPLE
10. Teach the People
Martin Luther King Jr. had a strong focus on teaching and educating the people “to save man from the morass of propoganda is one of the chief aims of education - to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, the facts from the fiction…. If an individual can’t think critically, he isn’t really educated. Intelligence is not enough”
“Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education” - Martin Luther King Jr.
11. March with the People
Martin Luther King Jr. was interested in and cared for people, he was never too busy and always available to talk to anyone. “When Martin marches with the masses, people perceived, rightfully so, that he was part of the crowd; he was one of the people, not a monarch housed in an ivory tower….. Achieving results as a leader is directly proportional to a leader’s willingness and ability to interact with people.”
12. Negotiate and Compromise
Martin Luther King Jr. constantly negotiated to ensure peaceful progress. “Because people are resistant to change, compromise is often the only practical too that allows the leader to make any progress at all….. in the final analysis leaders have no real power over the people the represent.”
13. Understand Human Nature
“In general, the ability of leaders to understand human nature is in direct proportion to their level of effectiveness. Knowing how people will react in any given situation, how they may be inspires and motivated, and how they will behave no matter what the leader does, is a critical skill for effective leadership.”
PART IV: ENSURING THE FUTURE
14. Preach Hope and Compassion
Martin Luther King Jr. lead the civil rights movement based on hope. He cared for people, understood their aspirations and displayed compassion. “People do not follow leaders who don’t care about their values, the wants and needs, the hopes and aspirations of those in the organization”
“We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope, because when you lose hope you die” - Martin Luther King Jr.
15. Have Courage to Lead
Martin Luther King Jr. had fifty documented assassination attempts against his life, he had to endure personal attacks and hate speech on a regular basis. “Perhaps the most that good leaders can do is keep moving forward. An then hope that the majority of the people they represent will recognize their contributions and, in the long run, judge them for their commitment and for their achievements rather than by what others have said about them….. In the final analysis, the courage to lead means standing up for what you believe in, acting when you see know you’re going to be attacked for doing so, and continually trying to do the right thing.”
16. Inspire People with Your Dream
Leaders cast vision and inspire people to get involved. “Effective visions provide context, give purpose, and establish meaning. They inspire people to mobilize, to act, to move in the same direction… Every good leader realizes that effective visions cannot be forced upon the masses. Rather they must be set in motion by means of persuasion and inspiration.”
“A movement is led as much by the idea that symbolises it. The role of the leader is to guide and give direction and philosophical under-building to the movement and this is what I have tried to do in this struggle.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
In Summary
This was one of the best leadership books that I have read this year! The book is inspirational and full of practical full leadership insights. After reading this book I was really inspired by what it took to successfully lead the civil rights movement. Donald T. Phillips has done an excellent job of weaving leadership lessons together with a biography of Martin Luther King making the book a fascinating exploration of timeless leadership principles. Donald Phillips has a deep understanding of what makes leaders successful and provides an excellent overview of how Martin Luther King Jr. lead through persuation, influence and passion.
I highly recommend this book, without hesitation, to anyone wanting to develop their understanding of what it takes to lead.
Technorati Tags: Leadership; Biography; Book, Management, Books, Change, Business, Christian
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Hi, verry nice review! I will definitely read you again!
[...] the core leadership is a choice. In the same way that Martin Luther King responded to the situations he found in his daily life. We too are faced with situations that [...]
VERY NICE REVIEW GUYS… we all now what a wise and nice man Martin Luther King was,and he will be in our hearts for ever as a great leader…god bless him!!!:)