Yoda Leadership!

If you know me personally, then you will know that I am a huge movie buff. I was just in a conversation with some of the women I work with earlier today, one of my co-workers asked me if I was planning on seeing any good movies this weekend, and I let her know that I planned to attend the re-release of Star Wars in 3D. Also, my organization recently asked a question "What are the qualities a leader must posses for YOU to be willing to follow him/her?" So, when I came across this blog I just had to post it and put my spin on it!

Your leader may not be a little green man, with a froggy voice, that spouts off little nuggets of wisdom like a monk, but Yoda has many characteristics that embody a great leader (other than having 'the force').

1. You are not the hero, but your Padawan may be.
Yoda is top notch when it comes to wisdom, but he is not the hero of the story, he is a driving force. As a leader you will not get all the credit you may deserve, but as a leader you should find happiness and fullness in knowing that you helped lead a 'hero' to their victory or goal.

2. You may be misunderstood.
Yoda may speak funny and have an odd dialect, but that is not where the misunderstanding dwells from. As a leader it is your job to know and understand that being a servant is better than being the king. In his blog, Ben says, "The servant leader's emphasis on service over power and humility over vanity goes against the popular notion." Because you go against the grain, others may find your leadership odd, but keep confidence in yourself.

3. If you're not careful, your organization may produce a Darth Vader
As a leader you have a whole lot of accountability, it is your job to hire new additions, and to make sure that your new hire does not only embody a team like spirit, but that you make sure that spirit never dies out. Encourage your mentees, but do not boast them into a power trip, or it will cause a kink in your team. And you will be at fault for creating the 'Darth Vader'.

4. You live in the muck
Yoda lived on the Dagobah System when Luke Skywalker finds him. This swamp world is full of mud, muck, grime and filth. The home of Yoda is a tiny mud hut. When looking for a mentor do not look at all of the many THINGS your potential leader has surrounding them, look at their work, a leader that puts quality before quantity is a great leader. Just like a leader, humble enough to live in the 'muck' of the business, will know how to get you through the 'muck' and reach your goals. A true leader is not afraid to get their hands dirty.

5. You're work is never done
Yoda was more than 900 years old when he met his last student (Luke), and even after his death, Yoda continued to coach and mentor the younger Skywalker. A great leader knows that their work is never done. A great leader will invest in relationship with you, and will understand that even when the goals are met that the work is never ending. Always be encouraging and uplifting, always set goals, always keep moving forward.

6. Sometimes, you have to kick evil's butt yourself
Yoda knows when he must pick up the light saber and do battle himself. This goes back to living in the muck, a great leader will invest him/herself in building others to pass on their qualities of service and culture, but knows when they must rise up and join the group to get past the 'muck' for the sake of their organization. Darth Sidious: I have waited a long time for this moment, my little green friend. At last, the Jedi are no more.
Yoda: Not if anything to say about it I have!

7. It's up to you
Yoda was the last hope for the people against the Dark Force. He had to train Luke to conquer the Emporer and Darth Vader. As a leader it is up to you to pass on quality and traditions and wisdom from experience in the business, and to encourage new ideas and innovations to conquer the toxic leadership so many organizations are overcome by today. As a leader you bring the change by leading others to one day become great leaders themselves.

Here is the original blog http://ht.ly/8Ujp2