Birds of a Feather

A place for everything, everything in it place. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Eagles do not mix with other birds on the ground or in low skies . They prefer enjoying each others' company in high altitudes and have no problem flying alone. They can fly up to an altitude of 10,000 feet - you will never find any other bird at this height unless its an Eagle! Other birds live in crowded places fighting for the limited resources and grumbling while at it. Eagles are less noisy and wait for the opportunity to strike their next prey or to glide with the current of the storm. What can leaders learn from the company that Eagles choose to keep?

Leaders set their minds on the possibilities yonder and not the grumblings on the shop floor. It's interesting listening to conversations at different levels of management - while the marketing department blames the production department for not meeting their targets, the executive suite is projecting ways to conquer new markets. They rise above the details and dream of possibilities. As a leader, you have to play a game above the standard of your peers. You have to stop shifting blame and figure out the solution. Reach out for something higher than giving reasons why you did not meet the targets. Ask "How can I meet/exceed my target?". Don't just stop at "Why did I miss the target?". Great leaders are problem solvers. They do not complain, they love to take the challenge - always seeing the pearls in the muddy puddles of life.

 The company you keep, influences your thought processes. Your thought processes determine your actions. Your actions eventually define the legacy you leave behind. In every relationship there is one that influences and one that is influenced. Be certain that the influence (received or given) aligns to your values and moral standing. If you want to leave a strong legacy, check the company you are keeping today. Are they challenging you to go higher or are they awed at your simple achievements? Leaders are expected to set high standards in their sphere of influence, even if there is no one close to matching such standards. Being a leader can be a lonely journey as you blaze a new trail that others fear to create but are quick to follow (success attracts!).

As iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another. A leader sharpens their mind by hanging out with other established leaders. Who do you surround yourself with? You will be lucky to emerge a leader of a higher calibre than they are. The rise to leadership demands that you shed off your old self and take up new behaviour (character) that befits the responsibility and authority bestowed on you. Do not be deceived, bad company actually corrupts good morals.

Take an audit of the company you keep. Are they steering you towards your vision and goals or are they dragging you in a different direction that conflicts with your values? It takes courage to cut off relationships that  pull you away from your goal. It takes wisdom and self-awareness to tell which relationships to keep or cultivate.

Be an Eagle Leader!