Leaders are dealers in HOPE

It was Napoleon Bonaparte that first said that leaders were dealers in hope.

 What did he mean?

What is it about hope that inspires, ignites, even excites us?

Hope has been defined as a wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfilment.

So what specifically is it that leaders do to create hope?

I suggest there are two essential components:

1. The ability to discern the longings of self and/or others and to articulate them in a compelling vision

2. The ability to open the minds and hearts of self and/or others to the art of the possible

When we consider leaders that have inspired us,  what they typically have in common is the ability to state in a focused way their raison d'être- whether they are great social entrepreneurs, business men and women, political activists, philanthropists, sports men and women, church or community leaders- all share an ability to with crystal clear clarity state their purpose and vision; and this purpose and vision will in some tangible way resonate with the purpose and vision of others- somehow give expression to desires that are shared.

But more than this, leaders invite us to consider how we could be part of fulfilling that vision, that longing, by opening our minds and hearts to the possibilities we have perhaps not considered.  By enabling and fostering the belief that we can effect change, make a difference, be the change we long to see.

In a time of economic uncertainty there has never been a greater need for leadership.  There has never been a greater need to articulate a compelling vision that resonates with people's heart felt longings.  There has never been a greater need to inspire people to believe that they can be instrumental in bringing about a better future, for us all.