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"The Problems Faced in Finding Good Leaders"

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Contributed by: Leigh Baran on 1/29/2008

You learn to play the game by
watching the best leaders
live and spin tales.
At the top of the game
it's those who twist best
the words or how you say it
who make it up the corporate ladder.
You start with a good idea
then fight for recognition
after all in capitalism
it's all about perfect competition.
Each day driven to work harder
to stay ahead of your neighbor.
And the best managers are the ones
who can figure out how to make others
labor for the least amount of dollars
Hands on, hands off,
the seven components of leadership
six sigma, total quality management
no matter how you spin it,
the bottom line and profit margins
are what really matters.
If we really value each other
then the corporate ladder
would be horizontal not vertical.
Today we've learned to recognize
and celebrate just one type of leader.
One who generates the most profit
in a race to retire.
Baseball players break records
CEO's get fired only to claim
millions of severance dollars.
Actors, actresses, models
are publicized for obnoxious behavior.
Cheat, steal, use shortcuts
in an effort to be admired.
The public is to blame
for we're the ones fascinated
by the surface our leaders create
and few bother to dig deeper.
The leaders who started
with their ideas untainted
lose sight of their purpose
and join the herd.
Just actions to further self-preservation,
even with the best intentions,
arrogance, attitude
and the idea of self-importance,
plague the efforts of the handful
of leaders with true character.
Our personal agendas; always to be heard-
"virtue of selfishness"
twisted to justify personal entitlements
Our minds create limits,
as taught through the years.
Leadership begins with
understanding each other.
In all people a mix of good and bad exists
Can there be leaders where good isn't mixed?
The good lingers, to be released for just the right moment.
For change starts at the top rung on the ladder
with leaders who are committed to see
the bottom rung and willing to be
exploited to a degree.
What will you do just to make a dollar?
How do you treat the people you encounter?
When I look at you, I see an opportunity-
to assist, to help, to share with you
my humankindness.
When you look at me what do you see?

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

Submitted By: Sara Musfeldt

posted on 2/26/2008 @ 9:03:55 PM

Rated Story

Play the game is right.

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Submitted By: Leigh Baran

posted on 2/4/2008 @ 12:30:27 PM

Rated Story

Open Mic Under the Umbrella 12th & Madison, Last Saturday of every Month! Join US!

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Showing 1-2 of 2 comments

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Leigh Baran

Denver , CO

Leigh Baran has posted 37 stories and 6 comments since joining on 11/16/2007. Leigh Baran 's average story rating is 4.58.

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