Leadership is a critical aspect of every organization, community, and society. “Bridgebuilder” leaders inspire and motivate their team to work towards a shared goal, are resilient in the face of adversity, and foster a positive culture of trust and collaboration. The qualities of an effective leader must draw inspiration from the famous poem “The Bridgebuilder” by Will Allen Dromgoole.
First off, a good leader is always willing to lead by example. They embody the values and principles they espouse and set the tone for their team. A leader who is sincere, trustworthy, and respectful, earns the loyalty and respect of their team members. In “The Bridgebuilder,” the old man builds a bridge over a treacherous river after crossing it himself, proving his unwavering commitment to the safety of others. This serves as a reminder that a leader who leads by example is someone who garners the trust of their team.
Second, a good leader values collaboration and teamwork. A leader who encourages collaboration and fosters teamwork creates an environment that promotes mutual respect, innovation, and productivity. They recognize the strengths of each team member and harness them towards the shared goal. In “The Bridgebuilder,” the old man builds the bridge and convinces a young man of the purpose, who initially dismisses his project. This teaches us that a good leader values the contributions of their team members and creates a collaborative environment.
Third, a good leader is persistent and resilient in the face of adversity. They persevere in the face of obstacles, setbacks, and challenges. They do not give up easily and put in the hard work to achieve their goals. In “The Bridgebuilder,” the old man faces a challenging task of building a bridge over a river, which he undertakes with persistence and determination. This demonstrates that a good leader is willing to persevere in the face of adversity and never loses sight of the end goal.
Effective “Bridgebuilder” leaders guarantee the success of any organization or community. A good leader leads by example, values collaboration, and is persistent and resilient in the face of adversity. The Bridgebuilder is a beautiful poem that serves as a reminder of the qualities that make a good leader. As leaders, we should strive to embody these qualities and inspire our teams to work together towards a common goal. Please feel free to contact me at any moment to recite it by heart, or to deliver a keynote for your team!
