Reflective Journaling

Quotes from the textbook

Analysis of the quote

“A small-minded man cannot be conceived of greatness.”

The quote implies that men desire greatness, and young men should not be ashamed of these desires. Further, the majority of young men are aware of their ineffectiveness in the face of a task of a greater magnitude. They may have feelings of inadequacies or believe that they are not fit for any given job, or they are not up to the challenge. The burden might be overwhelming and almost impossible, but they must always maintain their idealism. They may reach a time that they fail. However, their failure should act as a lesson.

The classical definition of kindness is extension animi ad Magna- the striving of the spirit towards more important things.

Magnanimity is a unique force that disposes humans to go out from themselves and be ready to oversee useful works, that will subsequently benefit all. According to the quote, a kind individual dedicates his strength to which he sees himself as worthy. Besides, he does not conform to himself, but he gives himself. Therefore, the quote focuses on individuals who made honest mistakes in the past but learned from these mistakes. A second chance for these individuals is a remarkable opportunity to portray excellent skills of Leadership. Consequently, this magnanimity type leads to loyalty out of indifference.

“Leaders are magnanimous in their dreams, visions, and sense of mission; in their capacity of hope, confidence and daring; in their enthusiasm for the effort required to bring their work to a successful conclusion” (Havard, 2017).

According to Harvard (2017), the kind vision of leaders guided by the service to others, including his family members, his country, colleagues, and the whole of humanity. This gallant desire to serve is as a result of beautiful humility virtue.

Quotes from the textbook

Analysis of the Quotes

Thanks to humility, leaders spontaneously reverence what is of God in every creature.”

Humility is the tendency of serving others. The aspect of humility means to pull rather than to push. It also means to teach instead of ordering around. Therefore, the author implies that Leadership is less about power displays and more about empowerment. Practicing humility for leaders is to bring out the greatness in other people in other activities of humans (Nielsen & Marrone, 2018). Besides, the quote implies that great leaders go one step further by embracing the reverence value.

“Pride engenders not truth but falsehood, not service but selfishness. If I fail to grasp the essential truths about myself and other people, I will begin to lose touch with reality. Pride will transform my interior self into an imaginary realm; it will blind me to the beauty of service.”

Havard warns leaders against Pride that may cause them to lie. Pride will also divert the leader’s focus from selflessly serving his people to selfishness. The author implies that leaders may use Pride as a tool to create a hopeful image of themselves. Consequently, this leads to leaders creating fascinating yet false narratives to enhance their image.

“Unfortunately, humility has acquired a pejorative connotation. The humble person is seen as devoid of ambition and nobility and unworthy of honor.”

The author is concerned that many people mistakenly hold the belief that humility is a weakness sign. The society links the word humility with other phrases that are biased attachments to the actual humility meaning. For instance, individuals occasionally confuse subservience with humility. Havard is concerned that people mislabel the absence of confidence in being humble. Furthermore, humility has a negative connotation in some cultures. This connotation is linked to humility and lacking assertiveness.

Quotes from the textbook

Analysis of the Quotes

“Leadership is not a technique. It does not focus on systems and structures but people.”

Havard believes that Leadership is not about methods and techniques but the inspiration of oneself and other people. Outstanding Leadership is about the experiences of individuals and not processes. A strong vision offers a foundation for leaders. Leaders tasked with motivating and inspiring individuals, which consequently helps them deliver their intended vision.

“It is not about doing things right, but about doing the right things.”

The author believes that Leadership implies centeredness, balance, and congruity in the life of a person. Leadership is about whom an individual is and not what they do. Additionally, Leadership is about the character. Leadership is not about leading by technique but with authority that comes with style. Therefore, the character content in an individual is critical.

“Human freedom is not liberation from external influences, which is impossible in any case. Rather, it is a question of freely choosing the influences you freely choose to submit to.”

Havard asserts that humans, through their free will, have the capacity or power for individuals to choose among alternatives in particular situations independently of social, natural, or divine restraints. Nonetheless, some determinism proponents deny the existence of free will (McLeod, 2019). Additionally, individual agency is the humanistic phrase for the open will exercise. Own agency refers to the decisions humans make in life, the paths they pursue, and their consequences.

Therefore, leaders ought to adopt a laissez-faire style of Leadership and offer a relatively little guide to subordinates. Leaders may advise their workers but should give them significant freedom to make decisions and solve problems on their own.