The idea of a Leader’s calling is rarely discussed in leadership literature. Most writing and discussion revolves around leadership skills and knowledge. A leaders calling, however, is foundational. It goes much deeper than skills and knowledge, and I believe plays a bigger part in a leader’s success than both skills and knowledge. It is something that develops over time, but ultimately must take root deep within a person before it becomes his or her source of motivation and drive. It spurs a person to step up, to act, to lead.
Calling is something that all great leaders in history have clearly embraced. It was their calling that drove them to achieve great things for their organization, their nation, and for the world. Great leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi all embraced a call to fight for freedom and change in their context. Their call affected every aspect of their leadership. It defined why and for whom they led, it determined how they led, and ultimately it empowered them to achieve the results that they achieved. Similarly all great leaders have an inner drive or call that motivates them, directs them, and keeps calling them to reach further and higher. (more…)
