“By setting a good example”
This seems obvious. If we set a bad example, will anyone listen to us? Let’s look at some passages from Yoritomo. In this one, he talks about the people you hang around with and how the group will follow the one who is doing good.
“Our most frequent associations are never indifferent to our mentality, and we always submit voluntarily or unconsciously, to the ascendancy of those that surround us….then the thought, projected into an enveloping center by a superior influence, is received by brains of weaker caliber, which register it mechanically, in order to reproduce it on similar occasions.”
Wow. Yoritomo was quite the observant psychologist. And they must have had some great language schools back then!
In more contemporary prose, it has been said, “Tell me who your associations are, and I will tell you who you are.” I would point out that when you read a book or listen to a podcast you are “hanging out” with that author or person speaking and being influenced by them. They are one of your “friends”.
Yoritomo – “Some people are dark and negative….some are joyful and radiate good energy.”
Look at this sentence –
“One of the greatest obstacles to the doing of good actions is the timidity based on the fear of responsibility, which haunts mediocre minds.”
In this passage, the Shogun says that courage is necessary to influence others. If you are to impart a message or get others to do something, you had better be right, or they will find out in time and hold you responsible. Many, even if they are noble and true, fear trying to influence others to their position because they do not want to take responsibility for what happens – the results and the group’s reaction to those results.
If you want to achieve a lot, you must lead, and for that, courage is necessary.
Thank you Larry for distilling this book down for us. Priceless guidance.
Yes, enjoying this journey.
2nd paragraph translated – “Most frequent associations” my wife, “never indifferent” always indifferent, especially with my 8th grade humor “submit voluntarily or unconsciously” yes I do always “projected enveloping, superior influence, ect. ect” yes, otherwise our marriage wouldnt have lasted 49 years……..
The rewards for having the courage to influence others are significant.
Today, I will need the courage to have a tough conversation with a team lead who has not been leading his department. After several months of training and performance reviews, it is time to take him off the field. I need to separate what is going on in his life and do what is best for the team. The team is watching.
Thank you Larry
This is great! We always need to be reminded of how to be a better influence, a stronger leader, and have more courage.