We live in an era of statue removal. Meanwhile the largest mountain carving in the world is under construction in the Black Hills of South Dakota just 17 miles from Mount Rushmore. The final carving will be 640 feet long and more than 50 stories high. The subject of that carving? Crazy Horse.
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Crazy Horse was one of the Native American warriors who defeated Lieutenant Colonel George Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn in Montana in 1876. He was known for his bravery, humility, and commitment. One Arapaho warrior, Water Man, who fought with Crazy Horse, characterized him as “the bravest man I ever saw.” Crazy Horse would ride closest to Custer’s soldiers all the while encouraging his warriors. He would shout, “Hoya hay. This is a good day to die!”
“All the soldiers were shooting at him, but he was never hit,” said Water Man.
The obvious goal of all effective leaders is the pursuit of results achieved with excellence. But it is more than the quest for the kind of success that resides at the far end of the yardstick. It is the strong expression of wholeness. Great leaders are “suns” of distinction, not “moons” of accomplishment—they do not reflect but rather radiate energetic passion. Their infectious heartiness touches, influences, and gives courage to all around them. Crazy Horse did more than simply show off his personal bravery; he unearthed like-minded daring in his fellow warriors.
A little-known story about Crazy Horse came from Chief Rain-in-the-Face from the Hunkpapa tribe of the great Sioux nation. In the book, The Custer Myth (Stackpole Books, 2000, paperback edition) by historian W. A. Graham, he reports that some Indian braves went into battle only after consuming drugs, alcohol, or both. Rain-in-the-Face claimed Crazy Horse never needed such help to be brave. He wanted to remain totally in the moment, high only on his pledge to a noble purpose and zeal to prevail.
Great leadership is a genuine expression honed from a strong sense of self. It is unabashedly being who we really are in front of others. Unshackled by a fear of rejection, we are released to go further, soar higher, and keep going longer. Realness is boldness unclothed and without remorse or apology. It is the quest to be daringly genuine.
Memo to leaders: Examine leadership practices that directly or subtly erode the self-esteem of your associates. Avoid using guilt as a tool for influence. Communicate a compelling purpose. Encourage and affirm initiative. Remember the words of writer Tex Bender: “You can pretend to care, but you cannot pretend to be there.” Be present in the lives of associates, not just in their toil. Tell the truth; live that truth. Authenticity always trumps arrogance; humility is more cherished by followers than superiority.
First published April 13, 2021, on Chip R. Bell’s website.
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Leaders have followers
To be a great leader on a battlefield, physical courage is required. To be a great leader in the boardroom, moral courage is required; doing the right thing even though it may come at a personal cost. Commanders on a battlefield that are "leading from behind" do not gather followers into combat. Managers who fail to deliver on moral courage when needed, are no longer followed or respected. People can spot the cowards on the battlefield and the boardroom.
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