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A Lesson in Leadership
July 16th, 2014
by Bill Boyajian

Last week, the long-awaited decision by Lebron James to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers both shocked and excited the sports world.  To some, it defied logic.  To others, it was a miracle come true.  What many might miss in this outcome is the opportunity to recognize a truly great lesson in leadership.

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In his written statement, Lebron James showed why he is arguably not just the greatest NBA player in his generation, but that he is a selfless, genuine leader.  His decision to “return home” transcends basketball.  He did it because of his “calling.”  He wanted to bring hope to those he left.  He wanted to inspire his hometown fans.  He expressed his obligation to lead, and that he takes that responsibility very seriously.

But even before this in his essay, as he called it, he acknowledged mistakes he had made when he left Cleveland four years ago.  He came to realize his mistakes as he matured during those years.  He had grown up, from a young man seeking championships to a leader who wanted to make a difference in the lives of those in his community.  He had already achieved success for himself.  Now he wanted to achieve significance by helping others.  This ability to be introspective, and to express humility in the process, especially for one so famous, is a sign of rare and unique leadership.

So don’t miss the lesson here.  We’ve all made mistakes.  We’ve all blown it at times.  But the true measure of our leadership will be our ability to rise above those mistakes and to “do the right thing.”  Lebron did it.  He taught us a lesson.  Now what will we do?



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