Leadership and the Art of Struggle

“Struggle as an Art”

All leaders struggle, but often convention and tradition keep them from expressing their fears, concerns and worries during difficult times. Leaders who know how to deal with struggle and grow from it can learn to be at home in the battle. They recognize that any difficulty can be a crucible for forging new strengths. These leaders seize struggle “as an art to be mastered.”

Anyone who is trying to live mindfully and morally is acting like a leader. However, people who want to evolve must acknowledge their weaknesses. Worthy leaders think about whether their personal and organizational goals align with their personal and organizational values. The real world is anarchic, imperfect and unpredictable, so solid leaders must temper their “conviction with pragmatism.”

Profit, power and expansion are good commercial goals, but they are not the only goals worth pursuing. Your personal and organizational goals and values matter, too. Chasing objectives that conflict with your personal morality will end in failure. All leaders face personal and circumstantial limitations. True leaders excel in spite of them.

“The Struggle Lens”

The view...