Reality

"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you." Max De Pree

What great book ends for your leadership philosophy. Begin with defining reality, what is your reason for change, your compelling vision, or your burning platform. Without a reason you won’t get the engagement you need for real change. Help those around you define the reality of now and the pending resulting future.

When your leadership done who gets the credit? You or the team? Make it the team; say thank you and celebrate their success. You’re just the initiator, the catalyst and the environment shifter.

I believe De Pree’s went on to say that...

"Between these bookends you are to serve." 

Wise words.