Do you want to be great or be a great leader? 

Being great and being a great leader do not reflect objective reality. The ones you are leading point to the one leading and say "He or she is the key; without their leadership, we would not be where we are today." On the other hand, a great leader reflects and says, "Look at all of those great people. I am fortunate to have such a great group of followers."

So reflect a moment on these thoughts and ask yourself about being great or being a great leader, dad, mom, employee, etc:

1. You know how strong willed, stubborn and arrogant you are. The people you lead or live with know.

2. You know how selfish, "me first", and self-serving you are. The people who are around you most of the time know as well.

3. You know how good you are at encouraging and lifting others up in affirmation with words or notes. The people who fall within your shadow know.

4. In your repertoire of gifts and talents is patience, kindness, faithfulness, trust and trustworthiness, respect and peace. The people who live and work in the same world you do know.

These were just a few thoughts that came to mind this morning as I sit in reflection about my own life. Do I want to be great or be a great leader? I don't know if being great in my own eyes is really being great. My hope is to be one known for greatness in the eyes of those who really count, the individuals I come in contact with over a lifetime.

What do you think?

"Let other people praise you even strangers; never do it yourself." -Solomon