Page 83 - 4- Leading_from_Within

knowing anything about the people they intend to lead. Mature leaders listen,
learn, and then lead.
96
Caring about others also means respecting them. A good leader treats
everyone with respect, especially those who can’t do anything for him/her.

People will not sustain an interest in following those whom they fear or
merely tolerate. Relationships within the organization will not be
developed or maintained without a high level of mutual respect. A leader
can develop a respect for others by trying to understand how people differ
from each other and appreciate that difference.

Acceptance is a central issue in human relationships, and it is an essential
element of organizational effectiveness as well. Acceptance involves
regarding the other person as a worthy human being. Accepting others
does not mean that you condone all of their behavior. Acceptance is of

people, not their behavior. When you accept people, you are not critical of
them just because you dislike how they act. You relate to others with
acceptance when, even if you disapprove of their behavior, you
communicate regard for them as persons.

It should not be assumed that people are inherently accepting. It is very
difficult for most of us. We tend to be quick to pass judgment. Perhaps
that's why many of our interpersonal relationships are less effective than
we would like. Absence of acceptance leads quickly to a closing of
communication. People who are unaccepting tend to evaluate and
criticize, which can be negative behaviors that damage most relationships.

This respect for others can be demonstrated by a leader, therefore, by
showing that he/she cares for them. People are particularly drawn to
those leaders who have the ability to remember aspects of the personal
lives of others, thereby showing his or her interest in them. However, it
should also be pointed out that you can care for people without leading

them. On the other hand, you cannot lead them effectively without caring
for them.
97
General Bill Creech, who revolutionized the Air Force approach to quality,
expressed his view of how to lead people by one simple maxim: let your

96
John C. Maxwell. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 2007. p. 55.
97
John C. Maxwell, The 5 Levels of Leadership, New York: Center Street, 2011, p. 89.
David Kolzow 83