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Glenn Brooke | June 3, 2015 | 6 Comments

What’s Your One Rule? – Glenn Brooke

 

After the Civil War Robert E. Lee became the president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Only men attended. The men despised the thick rule book they were required to follow and the demerit system. They were concerned that Mr. Lee – well known as an incredibly disciplined soldier who graduated from West Point with no demerits – would add to the rulebook.

To their surprise, President Lee tossed out the rule book. He said “We have only one rule here: All our boys must be gentlemen.”

At first they rejoiced. However, it wasn’t long before they learned that President Lee’s standard of gentleman was a much higher standard than a list of do’s and don’ts.

I’ve had people ask me for lists of expectations of leaders – really wanting a list of casuistic ethics that define the lowest possible “acceptable.” I’m with President Lee on defining excellent leadership.

My one rule for leadership might be “Leaders never settle.” 

Leaders can be easily pleased but should be difficult to satisfy. We celebrate accomplishments and milestones without forgetting there are always opportunities for improvement and transformation. The compelling vision and imagination pulls us forward into new leadership adventures.

What’s your one rule?

Filed Under: Leadership

Glenn Brooke

Glenn considers leadership a craft which requires dedicated pursuit. The apprentice model (instruction + practice + associating with other craftsmen) is the time-tested way to foster the next generation of leaders. Real leaders never stop working on their craft; there are only new levels of mastery ahead. Learn more at leadershipcraft.com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Adam Smith says

    June 3, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Put others first.

    Reply
    • Glenn Brooke says

      June 3, 2015 at 10:08 am

      good one!

      Reply
      • Erik Tyler says

        June 3, 2015 at 12:53 pm

        Thanks, Glenn.

        Reply
  2. Erik Tyler says

    June 3, 2015 at 11:30 am

    I don’t know if it’s a “rule” per se as much as a guiding principle, but …

    “You ALWAYS have a choice.”

    If I had to rephrase that as a rule, it might be this: “Live like it matters — because it does.”

    Reply
    • Glenn Brooke says

      June 3, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      Excellent — and congruent with your whole body of writing, Erik!

      Reply
      • Erik Tyler says

        June 3, 2015 at 12:54 pm

        Yes, those two principles were guiding forces in my life long before the writing came along. They drive the writing, not the other way around.

        Reply

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Hi, my name is Adam Smith and welcome to asmithblog.com. I am the author of the book, The Bravest You. Because of my work as an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and speaker, I have been named a top industry influencer by American Genius. I live with my wife, Jasmine, and three children in Shenandoah, IA.

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