Kung Fu Panda Inspired- Sensei Leadership

SO,
I watched Kung Fu Panda this weekend and fell in love with martial arts movies again.
It is not the fighting I love, rater the relationship between the teacher (Sensei) and the student. The following are thoughts on this relationship as it relates to leadership.

One
of the hallmarks of any leader is a dedication to continual
self-improvement and perfection. Like mastering a martial art,
leadership is a skill. A martial arts master dedicates a lifetime to
self-perfection. Those leaders who recognize that perfection is not a
destination but rather a never ending process are those who create the
most effective and productive organizations.

What would a Black Belt do?

The Sensei
or martial arts master is an iconic symbol for one who embodies
inspiration, wisdom and respect. The relationship of master to student
engenders loyalty, respect and effectiveness. ASensei earns respect and becomes an effective leader by honoring the relationship of teacher to student. The measure of an effective Sensei is not just in personal accomplishments, but more importantly in the accomplishments of his students.

I
believe that a organization is most effective when its leadership
provides teaching, mentoring, coaching and motivation to empower every
individual to perform most effectively. You can apply the techniques
and traits of theSensei to increase your effectiveness as a leader at work, home and in the community.

The fundamental reason that a Sensei
enjoys the loyalty and dedication of his students can be found in the
unique relationship of teacher to student. Between teacher ans student,
the following key components are present:

1. Gratitude.
2. Generosity.

A
teacher praises and supports the efforts of his students. This praise
and support is recognition, a form of gratitude for the efforts and
results produced by the student. At the same time the effective teacher
shares experience, knowledge and wisdom unconditionally. It’s the job
of the teacher to share; it’s the responsibility of the student to
learn. To accomplish effective teaching, the teacher must share
unconditionally with no expectation of return. When there is a return,
it’s the role of the teacher to provide recognition, acknowledgement
and reinforcement. That’s the cycle that creates the student to teacher
bond.

Leadership is fundamentally teaching. A leader must
communicate information and enthusiasm. A leader is more effective when
can demonstrate experience and share the fruits of that experience by
sharing wisdom. The more effective a leader is as a teacher, the more
respect and loyalty he will earn.

In organizations, this respect
and loyalty translates directly to increased productivity and decreased
losses due to disengagement, uncaring workplace practices and lost
membership.

One of the most valuable traits you can emulate from the Sensei
is that of “Beginner’s Mind.” The martial arts master’s personal
development is never finished. He approaches each day with a sense of
wonder and curiosity and a longing for continual self-perfection. The
greatest leaders are never those who rest on past accomplishments or
current position. The greatest leaders are those who continually
embrace the process of self-improvement.

After all…
“Perfection is not a destination, but a never-ending process!”