I am a student of leadership and how it contributes to success in work and life. I’m finding a core principle that drives great leaders is the pursuit of Mastery.
When we refer to an expert in any field, don’t we say of that person, “a master of their trade.” So in golf there is Tiger Woods and other rising stars like recent Masters winner, Bubba Watson who demonstrates a mastery over the game. In business it is no different, whether it is a well-known name like Bill Gates or a local leader. There rise to the top is not without Mastery.
Hebrew wisdom says it well, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.”
Darren Hardy, publisher of Success magazine, says there are Five Traits of Mastery:
• Being a consummate learner
• Having a ‘Red Hot Why’ – a reason that really drives you and your energy
• Tenaciously particular about how their time is spent
• Willingness to do, fail fast, fail often and preserver
• Best in the world support team: including coaches, mentors, and peers.
Then he concludes by saying, “Mastery is not talk, its hard work. But its worth it because its magnificent.”