Rosalynn Carter: 'A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be.'

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be.

Rosalynn Carter once said, "A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be." This profound quote highlights the distinction between a simple leader and a great leader. In essence, it emphasizes that leadership involves not only fulfilling people's desires but also guiding them towards a path they may not initially choose but ultimately need to embark upon. Undoubtedly, this quote holds immense importance in the realm of leadership and implies that true leaders possess the vision and courage to traverse uncharted territories.The underlying message of this quote revolves around the idea of challenging the status quo. While it is relatively easy for leaders to align themselves with popular opinion and cater to the desires of their followers, a great leader distinguishes themselves by charting a course towards unfamiliar territory. This requires the ability to recognize opportunities for growth and improvement, even when they may not be readily apparent to others. By pushing their followers beyond their comfort zones, great leaders inspire personal development, foster innovation, and ultimately, drive their organizations toward success.To truly grasp the significance of Carter's quote, it may be helpful to delve into a philosophical concept that sheds light on the dynamics of leadership. Let us explore the concept of "existentialism" as a means of understanding the contrast between leaders and great leaders. In existentialism, individuals are seen as fundamentally responsible for giving their lives meaning and purpose, transcending beyond the mere pursuit of personal desires. Drawing parallels to Carter's quote, one could argue that a leader aligns themselves with the existential desires of their followers, while a great leader propels them toward an existential call to action.A leader, in the conventional sense, tends to focus on fulfilling the wants and needs of their followers. They operate within the framework of the familiar, reassuring their constituents by catering to their existing aspirations and goals. There is a sense of comfort in this approach, as it does not challenge the established order or require individuals to redefine their values or beliefs. Followers may view this type of leader as reliable and trustworthy, albeit lacking the capacity to inspire significant change or development.On the other hand, a great leader breaks away from the customary and ventures into uncharted territories. They possess the remarkable ability to identify and address the underlying needs of their followers, even when their followers themselves may not fully comprehend those needs. By doing so, they disrupt the status quo, prompting individuals to question their assumptions and embrace personal growth. Great leaders adopt an existential perspective, understanding that the path to fulfillment lies not in simply satisfying surface-level desires, but in pushing individuals toward a transformative journey.It is crucial to acknowledge that guiding people where they ought to be, rather than where they want to be, is not without its challenges. A leader who compels individuals in a direction they initially resist may face resistance, skepticism, or even outright rejection. However, it is precisely in those moments of resistance that the true greatness of a leader shines through. By persisting, articulating a compelling vision, and leading by example, great leaders gradually break down barriers and inspire their followers to embrace change.In conclusion, Rosalynn Carter's quote encapsulates the essence of great leadership. While a simple leader may satisfy the wants and desires of their followers, a great leader dazzles by steering them toward a path they should embrace but might initially resist. By embracing the concept of existentialism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of leadership. Leaders who possess the audacity to challenge the established norms, to push boundaries, and to guide their followers toward personal growth, serve as beacons of inspiration. They have the power to reshape organizations, industries, and even societies, ultimately guiding humanity toward a brighter and more promising future.