CHICAGO–This week the nation honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a federal holiday honoring his contributions and sacrifice for the United States. King showed leadership during extraordinarily demanding times, always under threats to himself, his family and others. Here are some views and insights on King and leadership:
Martin Luther King, Jr., on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times
By Donald T. Phillips
In this book, Phillips uses the Civil Rights struggle as his historical perspective to create a chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership during the most tumultuous period in America's recent past.
“From public speaking to peaceful persuasion, from imaginative solutions in changing times to the power of hope, optimism, nonviolence, and the need for a great dream, this valuable study is a comprehensive tool for taking courageous action under even the most difficult of circumstances,” notes Amazon.
For info: www.amazon.com.
Leadership Lessons From Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Adam Toren, writing on Entrepneur.com
Dr. King's stance on political activism in a non-violent way made him a natural leader and an inspirational figure, writes Toren. He led a social movement of equality during a time when he wasn't supported by most. In fact, he was threatened and despised by many. But he stayed committed to the vision he held.
For more, go here.
5 Leadership Lessons From Martin Luther King Jr.
By Katie Morrel, writing on AmericanExpress.com’s Open Forum
King didn’t hesitate to quote philosophers in his written pieces, and great small business leaders should not underestimate even the lowest level employees in their organizations, wrote Morrel. He taught to never underestimate anyone below one’s self, that they have wisdom, life experience and are introspective.
King (also) didn’t hide his fear. He was scared before every speech and worried that his points wouldn’t be well received or that he would be met with violent protests. But instead of hiding, he talked about it and faced his fear head on.
For info, go here.
Leadership Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King
By Bill George, writing on BillGeorge.org
George, a senior fellow at Harvard Business School and an expert on leadership, reflects on Dr. King’s lasting legacy and to discuss his case “Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Young Minister Confronts the Challenges of Montgomery.”
For info, go here.
Timeless Leadership Lessons: 16 Empowering Ways To Inspire Like The Late And Spectacularly Great Martin Luther King, Jr.
As published by InspiringLeadershipNow.com
The article outlines 15 aspects of King’s leadership, including:
1. The Why of Leadership
2. A Compelling Vision
3. Unflinching Honesty About What’s Wrong With the Status Quo
4. Charisma and Authenticity
5. Powerful Communication
6. Tenacious Perseverance
7. Foster Collaboration
8. Emotional Self-Mastery
9. Take the Moral High Ground
10. Courage
11. Creative Tension
12. Metaphor and Story
13. Create a Sense of Urgency
14. Inspire People to be the Best Versions of Themselves
15. Acknowledge (and Reward) Your Followers’ Good Work
For info, go here.