The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
–Martin Luther King, Jr.
Every January we honor the life and memory of Martin Luther King, Jr, a minister, a civil-rights activist, a leader, an advocate of nonviolence, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner (1964).
Here’s why:
Dr. King influenced so many without being arrogant
Without being a bully
Without being violent
Without looking down and speaking poorly of others
Without being divisive
Quite the contrary, his focus was on peace and unity He always held true to his beliefs, he wanted to make a difference in our world, and he wanted to create a national movement to promote equality and economic opportunities for everyone. Period.
Dr. King shared his “I Have a Dream” speech (and vision) at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and Professor Wadhwa provides the following insights from that speech:
Great leaders do not sugar-coat reality
Great leaders engage the heart
Great leaders refuse to accept the status quo
Great leaders create a sense of urgency
Great leaders call people to act in accord with their highest
values
Great leaders refuse to settle
Great leaders acknowledge the sacrifice of their followers
Great leaders paint a vivid picture of a better tomorrow
Great leaders know it’s always right to do what is right
One of Dr. King’s most famous quotes was:
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others’?
As a leader (and a person), what are you doing for others and how are you contributing to making a difference in the workplace? Could more be done?
If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.
― Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.