Whether you are a self proclaimed leader, a leader by action or a leader designated by others, most people want to leave a legacy. This begs the question would you want to be considered as an idol or an icon?
An idol, according to dictionary.com is defined as any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration or devotion. An idol is something singular that is admired. In olden days a great example was a statue or an item related to a deity. From a more contemporary standpoint an idol can be a person that you aspire to be like. For example I idolize the musician Chris Botti for his tremendous talent and skill. An icon as defined by dictionary.com is defined as a sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it. This has a more broader range of inclusion. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was an icon of the civil rights movement as was Rosa Parks. Steve Jobs was an icon in the electronic industry. Chris Botti and Miles Davis are icons in the area of trumpet music. These are examples of people who were recognized leaders in a broad field and not only based on events directly related to them and them alone. Let's clarify one thing, it should not be a goal to become an idol or an icon. Taking that approach, for the pure leader, is laced in narcissism. Most leaders want their actions to reflect their success and how people view them. It is this type of humility combined with resulting success that will allow them to be idolized while becoming an icon in their field. So it is possible to be both an idol and icon but it should be a result of your leadership and action and not a cause for it. If you are not idolized or referred to as an icon, it doesn't mean that you have failed. These are designations that the general public places upon people. Your job is to continue being a good leader and striving for success and sharing that with others. If you accomplish that then that will leave a more long lasting legacy than any title. Building Leaders for Success is dedicated to educating and providing training and skills that will benefit you, your employees and your business. Check us out on the web at www.buildingleadersforsuccess.com, on Facebook at Building Leaders for Success and on Twitter @Leading4success. Enter your email address in the box to the right to receive these blogs and other offers from Building Leaders for Success.
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AuthorFrank Taylor is founder and CEO of Building Leaders for Success, Inc. A musician of 25 years, educator of 15 years and a motivational speaker of 16 years, Mr. Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge that will promote success and fundamentals of leadership. Archives
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