Page 33 - The EDGE Winter 2025

Ref lections on Leadership

March 18, 2024
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the
first four sharpening the axe." -Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s quote powerfully reminds us
of the importance of preparation and planning in
achieving success. In this quote, Lincoln highlights
working smarter rather than harder. Often, we are
so focused on getting the job done quickly that we
need to recognize the value of taking the time to plan
and prepare. When chopping down a tree, spending
four hours sharpening the axe seems like a waste of Ref lections on Leadership
time. Still, it is a crucial step in ensuring the task is
completed efficiently and effectively. March 25, 2024
This can be applied to being a great leader as Initiative is to success what a lighted match is to a candle"
well. A strong and effective leader understands the -Orlando A. Batista
importance of planning and strategizing before Being a great leader is a challenging task. It requires
taking action. A leader can ensure the most efficient passion, dedication, and the drive to bring about
use of time and resources by carefully planning and change and achieve success. One key aspect of
analyzing potential obstacles. Just like sharpening an leadership is initiative. As the famous quote goes,
axe before chopping a tree, a leader must invest time ‘initiative is to success what a lighted candle is to a
and effort in preparation before tackling any task or candle.’ This means that taking the initiative is crucial
goal. Doing so will equip them to handle challenges for reaching success, just as a lit candle is necessary
and achieve their desired outcome. As it has been said, for a candle to fulfill its purpose. Without taking the
‘failing to plan is planning to fail.’ By sharpening our first step and showing initiative, success can seem out
metaphorical axes, we set ourselves up for success of reach. A leader may remain stagnant and fail to
and maximize our efforts. Therefore, the quote serves reach their full potential.
as a reminder to not only plan our work but also to Leaders are often characterized by their ability to
work our plan diligently, as it is the key to achieving take the lead and make things happen. They do not
our desired outcomes. Through this approach, great wait for someone else to tell them what to do; instead,
leaders can inspire their team not only to work hard they are proactive and take charge of their progress.
but to work smart and achieve greatness together. They understand that initiative is a crucial element in
-Brian L. Mee, SFO, RSBA, M. Ed. achieving success, and they are not afraid to step out
of their comfort zones.
"He was such a thoughtful man. I did enjoy so many Leaders take the initiative because they have a clear
trips around the country with him." vision of their goals and are determined to achieve
-Chad Schoolcraft them. They do not wait for someone else to give them
instructions or tell them what to do; they have the
drive and motivation to take the first step toward their
goals and organization. This demonstrates their strong
leadership skills and sets them apart from others who
are content with following orders.

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