Great leaders give beyond what is asked of them

I was reminded of this principle twice recently. There is a kind of leader who would not go beyond what is expected of them. First there are those who because of lack of vision and ownership of the organization, they do not see the point of making effort. Every work is a tedious one. Secondly are those who does their job description. Nothing wrong with that. But it is for the same reason that they fail to excel in life--lack of vision, a bigger purpose in life. They do not see themselves as part of a bigger picture wherein their role is vital to the success of the organization. They are those who do not see beyond the fence. I believe there is more. Great leaders give beyond what is asked of them. They give the 110%. They are those who doesn't wait to be asked, but they themselves ask what good can they bring to the organization. They do not negotiate the easiest road. They see what is beyond the fence, and will never stop to reach it no matter how hardships present themselves along the way. Where do we start? (1) Discover your purpose, your life's vision. (2) Commit yourself to causes that will help you live out your vision (or better yet create your own cause) and (3) Be an asset to your organization, own the vision and help it bring it's vision into reality.

I remember an illustration about a certain person who walked past a cathedral that is being built. He asked the construction workers there, "What are you doing?" The first said, "I am laying bricks." The second said, "I am building a wall." And the third said, "I am helping build a beautiful cathedral." See, all of them were doing the same chore, but the last one had a broader understanding of his role in the creation of something good. As leaders not only do we have to see the bigger picture for ourselves, but bring the whole team to see what you see.