Go Ahead -- Do It Anyway!

There are times when nothing more really needs to be said. This is one of those times. The following poem was written by Kent Keith in 1968. It is said that it was for a booklet that went to student leaders. I am thinking that he would know the resistance and the disappointment that every leader will eventually encounter. In fact, I believe such things define our ability as leaders. So, we must prepare for it.

I've been told that another version of this poem was written on the wall of a children's home in Calcutta, India -- a home in which Mother Teresa had a ministry.

Our job as leaders is to prepare and be prepared for the inevitable storms that come any time we're dealing with people. And, since it is impossible to be a leader without dealing with people, it will do us good to read and reread these words of wisdom.

THE PARADOXICAL COMMANDMENTS by Kent M. Keith

1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
3. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
6. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
7. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway.
10. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

Leading people may be the hardest job you've ever taken on and your efforts may sometimes seem small. Lead them anyway.