Leadership

Book excerpt: "Whether as a leader seeking to empower others or as an individual struggling to become a better person ourselves, the decision to empower is a choice we make. The nature of our action is to acknowledge the incredible ability that exists within another person or to realize that we also possess an undiscovered and unrealized greatness. The untapped capacity within each individual is rarely imagined and it is extremely unusual for a person to realize even a small part of his or her almost unlimited capabilities. The focus of this book is on coming to terms with the best version of ourselves and to then accept the responsibility to help others to discover their own highest potential. The quest for self-discovery and a clearer sense of our own identity is often delayed in the hustle-bustle of a busy life-until we finally realize that we have chosen to "satisfice" or live our lives far below what we are capable of achieving. The journey to greater self-awareness and to an appreciation of our hidden talents is a necessary step to discovering the life that we never imagined is actually possible. Realizing who we can become enables us to not only redefine our identities but also teaches us of our moral obligation to help others to recognize what their lives can mean. In raising the bar for our own performance or in helping others to become their very best, empowerment is ultimately a choice-a decision to redefine our best definition of ourselves and to assist others to discover their immense potential as well"--