Not a Man Will Follow You
History records that in the first part of the 15th century, a young French peasant girl, Joan of Arc, was called to save her country from its enemies. There was something about her that endeared her to her followers and caused them to have a respect — almost a reverence, an awe — for what she was attempting to do. Her sacred sword, her consecrated banner and her belief in her mission helped her to sweep away the armies that were before her.
It has been said, and rightly so, that courage is transferable and that if a leader has a sense of mission and purpose and an absolute conviction in what can be accomplished, people gather around and follow this leader. This conviction was demonstrated by the courage displayed by Joan of Arc. She sent a thrill of enthusiasm through the French army and gave them the courage and confidence that a king, a statesman and a president could not produce.
However, she, like all other leaders, had her share of cynics and skeptics. On one occasion, she said to one of her generals, “I will lead the men over the wall.”
The general said, “Not a man will follow you.”
At that point, Joan of Arc did what leaders with a mission and a conviction always do. She replied, “I won’t be looking back to see whether they’re following me.”
Yes, commitment and courage were on display, and those are two qualities that will win many battles and enable you to accomplish worthwhile objectives. Think along those lines, develop those qualities, and you’ll succeed!!!
