The Leaders Longing

I came across an interesting poem called “The Leader’s Longing” by Richard Barrett that speaks of what good leadership is all about.

I don’t care who you are, or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your passion. I want to see your courage, I want to experience your spirit, I want to know that you care about creativity.

I don’t care who you are, or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your caring. I want to see your love, I want to experience your compassion, I want to know that you are working for the common good.

I don’t care who you are, or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your openness. I want to see your trust, I want to experience your honesty, I want to know that you will always speak the truth.

I don’t care who you are, or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your commitment. I want to see your engagement, I want to experience your hope, I want to know that you will do what is necessary to get the job done.

I don’t care who you are, or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your authenticity. I want to see your tears, I want to experience your joy, I want to know that you will never hide who you are.

I don’t care who you are, or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to feel your yearning. I want to see your searching, I want to experience your longing, I want to know that you will never stop learning.

I don’t care who you are, or, what you do. When I walk into your organization I want to experience you.