Three Minute Leadership: As a Man Thinketh…

To: The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning

In his Leadership E-Bulletin Greg Thompson brings poignant emphasis to Stephen Covey’s words: “We see the world, not as it is, but as we are??or, as we are conditioned to see it.” He writes of the impact of James Allen’s book, As a Man Thinketh, in which he writes of the transformative power of thinking positively and its impact on character, health and relationships.  Allen wrote: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is…. A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.” 

Recognizing the power and influence positive thinking has on leadership, Thompson invites great leaders to ask questions about what they think about various facets of their life.

Are your thoughts your ally or your enemy?

• What are your thoughts about your organization? Do you think about it as a chaotic, messy institution or a diverse, creative community? 
• What are your thoughts about leadership? Do you think about it as an entitlement to power, privilege and wealth or as a calling to serve others? 
• What are your thoughts about others? Do you think of them as flawed pawns on your chessboard or as wonderfully gifted and unique partners? 
• What do you think about your work? Do you think of it as an inescapable chore or as a way to live out your purpose and legacy? 
• What are your thoughts about the future? Do you think about it as a road lined with countless perils and menacing enemies or as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure?

“As a leader, when you change the way you think, others will change the way they act!” Thompson states. It is our garden to grow, to seed, to nourish. Thompson writes: We are the masters of our own mind… we are the authors of our day-to-day thinking patterns.” Let’s plant a magnificent garden and be awesome authors of our thinking. As Barry Kaufman tells us: “The way we choose to see the world creates the world we see.” May we choose wisely and well.

Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!

Mike

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