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July 13th

A LEADER LEADS

“One person, on doing well by others, immediately accounts the

expected favor in return. Another is not so quick, but still

considers the person a debtor and knows the favor. A third kind of

person acts as if not conscious of the deed, rather like a vine

producing a cluster of grapes without making further demands,

like a horse after its race, or a dog after its walk, or a bee after

making its honey. Such a person, having done a good deed, won’t

go shouting from rooftops but simply moves on to the next deed

just like the vine produces another bunch of grapes in the right

season.”

—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 5.6

ave you ever heard someone else repeat one of your ideas as though it
were their own? Did you ever notice a younger sibling or relative
mimic your behavior, perhaps the way you dress or the music you listen to?
Maybe you moved to a new neighborhood and a bunch of hipsters followed.
When we are young and inexperienced, we can react negatively to these
situations. Stop copying me! I was here first!
As we mature, we start to see them in a different light. We understand
that stepping up and helping is a service that leaders provide to the world.
It’s our duty to do this—in big situations and small ones. If we expect to be
leaders, we must see that thankless service comes with the job. We must do
what leaders do, because it’s what leaders do—not for the credit, not for the
thanks, not for the recognition. It’s our duty.