Leadership Development Discussion – Expecting Greatness

It appears that most of us seek greatness in some form. Ask anyone to tell you about their ambitions and you will often hear this adjective used to describe all sorts of aspirations. We want to become “a great father,” “a great manager,” “a great runner,” “a great leader,” or “a great pianist.” The pursuit of greatness in probably closely connected with the most fundamental human needs.

Reminding others of the pursuit of their individual greatness may be one of the most important roles of those who seek to lead. On the occasion of Winston Churchill’s death in 1965, the political philosopher, Leo Strauss, told his students that “we have no higher duty, and no more pressing duty, than to remind ourselves and our students, of political greatness, of human greatness, of the peaks of human excellence.”

What human greatness have you witnessed recently? How have you recognized that person?