The Iceberg

extracted from Habitudes [The Art of Self-Leadership] by Dr Tim Elmore

THE ICEBERG REPRESENTS YOUR LEADERSHIP. THE 10% ABOVE THE WATER REPRESENTS YOUR SKILL. THE 90% BELOW THE WATER REPRESENTS YOUR CHARACTER. IT'S WHAT'S BELOW THE SURFACE THAT SINKS THE SHIP.

An iceberg is a great picture of leadership. The small portion above the sea-level is what most people can see but in actual fact, the power of the iceberg is below the water line. Same goes to our leadership because much of our influence comes from qualities we can't see on the outside but it's the stuff below the surface that made us unique as a leader. 90% of our leadership is made up from our character. And, our character is the sum total of our :

* Self Discipline - the ability to do what's right even if you don't feel like it
* Core values - principles you live by that enable you to take a moral stand
* Sense of identity - a realistic self-image based on who God made you to be
* Emotional security - the capacity to be emotionally stable and consistent

Many people make it into the limelight, and neglect their character. Your skill may get you to the top - but it's your character that will keep you there. Weak character may begin with lying and cheating on tests. It eventually takes the form of fraud, sex crimes, robbery and scandal.

Throughout generations, we heard many renowned politicians, presidents or celebrities, though they hold significant roles, yet the fell morally because of weak character. One hundred years ago, a boy named Schicklewuber grew up in Europe. As a teen, he never learned about character. His parents never taught him right from wrong, and he began to come up with his own ideas and values. His father put him down when he talked about becoming a priest, and insulted him when he spoke of becoming an artist. He was never valued, nor taught values. One night, he heard his mom and dad argue about moving away. He was convinced they hated him and suspected they would leave him behind. He decided to put up an emotional wall and never let anyone inside his heart. He ran away. This boy grew up to be a man. The man became a leader. You know him as Adolf Hitler.

History proves that Adolf Hitler was a great leader, but he wasn't a good one. He failed to use his influence well. His skill and charisma were huge. His character was horribly flawed. He sabotagd himself - but not until he had slaughtered more than six million innocent people along the way.

While leadership skills are good to have, it is important that our skills are not developed at the expense of our character and integrity. We have to lead ourselves well before we can lead others.

We spent an average of 10% of their life preparing for the 90% that makes up their career than their character. We are in such a hurry today, that we blitz through our preparation work to get to the productivity. Sadly, we often cannot sustain a life of character, and fail morally along the way.

Remember the story / movie on 'Titantic', it is not what that is on the surface that sinks the ship, but it is what that is beneath it. The bad news about icebergs it that it's what's below the surface that sinks a ship. Weak character will eventually damage our ability to lead. The good news about icebergs is that it's what's below the surface that supports the tip of the iceberg. In the same way, strong character will hold you up long enough to use your skills.

My question for you - do you know how strong is your character? Are there any depth? If you recognise that you are still WORK-IN-PROGRESS, use the 4 pointers earlier as a guide. Remember Arrows with Soul-I workshop, work on your Core Values and ensure you have the Self-Discipline to adhere working on it. The end result, you will gain a sense of identity and also the emotional stability that comes with it.