Emergence Quotes

“I explained a leadership philosophy to her that had been drilled into me for years; and that I firmly believed in.   “Julie, my military training has included the study of leadership. I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject but I have tried to learn from some very smart people. For example, let me ask you this: What would you say the definition of ‘leadership’ is?”   One of the things I liked about Julie is that she was always up for an intellectual challenge. After thinking for a moment she responded, “Being in a position where other people have to do what you tell them.”   “Ok,” I replied. “That’s one type of leadership; it’s called Authoritarian or Rank-Based Leadership and the military and Corporate America are definitely based on it but there’s another type that’s more powerful...   “It’s called Influential Leadership.”   “This type of leadership is used by those that build churches or lead volunteer organizations or lead movements. There is no boss with rank or authority; people follow because they choose to. The definition of leadership that I believe in most is simply the word ‘influence’ – and if you accept that then I have another question for you…”   She nodded for me to continue.   “I first heard a brilliant man named John Maxwell ask this question; What is the difference between leadership and manipulation?”   Julie started to respond but then paused in thought. I thought it was a great question and I remember the impact it had held on me the first time I’d heard it.   She finally answered, “One is good and one is bad.”   “Agreed,” I said. “Here is how I would say it though… There is no physical difference in leadership and manipulation – they are both exercising influence. The only difference is intent.   “For example; if I’m trying to influence someone to do something that benefits both of us and maybe others we call it leadership. If I’m trying to influence someone to do something that benefits only myself we call it manipulation.”
― William Lee Gordon, Emergence

“I feel kind of like an ant in the food court of a tap dance studio,”
― William Lee Gordon, Emergence

“the more I got to know her the more complicated of a person I realized she was – but it was a good thing. She was complicated because she had depth; she had depth because she cared about people and was more concerned with actually benefitting them than just making a good show.”
― William Lee Gordon, Emergence

“For example; if I’m trying to influence someone to do something that benefits both of us and maybe others we call it leadership. If I’m trying to influence someone to do something that benefits only myself we call it manipulation.”
― William Lee Gordon, Emergence

“the Founding Fathers of the United States were generally among the opinion that government was inherently evil and that men couldn’t be free unless they were protected from it. In other words, they felt that government, by the nature of man, would always be a growing, power-hungry monstrosity that would constantly need pruning. These same Founding Fathers wouldn’t recognize our modern world; where we teach our school children that government is our friend. I didn’t know if she was saying these things for my benefit or those that would be listening in but I nodded for her to continue.”
― William Lee Gordon, Emergence

“After all, why would I need a government to build a road if I could print a machine that would do it for me? Why would I pay taxes for protection if I could print my own gun (or fortress); and why would anyone want what I have if they could print their own? What was really left for the controllers to offer?”
― William Lee Gordon, Emergence