April 2000

September 2002

Innovation Tips

…for thriving on collaborative innovation

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Character—The Keystone of Leadership

In the last seven issues we have reviewed some of the attributes of leadership that are essential for the development of collaborative genius. We have looked at the Tao of dialogue, humility and an iron will, compassion, shared leadership, following the light of success, and being clear about purpose but flexible about means. Yet, like the keystone in an arch, there is one more attribute that must be added lest the others, like the arch, collapse. That attribute is character.

It was said, long ago, that he who rules himself is greater than he who rules a city. That statement could have come from any one of many ancient sages, for it is consistent with highly regarded teachers from Socrates and Plato to Confucius and Lao Tse.

The struggle from egocentricity to character is the universal human struggle. It transcends all boundaries of time, place, and culture. Each person must confront that struggle—the “hero’s journey” to the center of the soul. Those who make that inward journey and return with the capacity to “rule themselves” are those who are most adept at engaging collaborative genius. They become authentic, and authenticity breeds trust and collaboration.

Authenticity makes all things easier. It frees up life and enables change. Those who have found the authenticity of the inner life, who have engaged in and even relish the struggle with egocentricity, are willing to sustain any change. They are often eager to explore the next unfolding of life in which their character may become even more substantial.

They have achieved an apogee of inner success that is greater than “he who rules a city.” They are the ones who can deftly navigate collaborative innovation, for they need no credit. They are open to change and opportunity, they encourage and acknowledge the achievements of others, disappointments spur them on, and challenges invigorate them. They are impelled by an inner strength of purpose that is not satisfied by outward accolades.

They have character—the keystone—without which genuine collaboration does not occur.

(This is the eighth and last in a series of articles on leadership and collaborative genius.)

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