Martin Luther King, Jr: Leadership as Love Published Feb. 12, 2014 By Anne Germany 48th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity Office ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Leadership could be described as a dynamic process mainly concerned with motivating people to commit to a sustainable, commonly agreed objective. Martin Luther King Jr.'s qualities as a leader may be nearly impossible to teach. Dr. King has been described as a transformational leader who led in the spirit of love, not fear. He said, "love is mankind's most potent weapon for personal and social transformation." Machiavellian leadership styles based on fear and over-bearing authority are all too common in many workplaces today. Dr. King led a diverse team of people and had a laudable talent for engaging all in his vision for a fairer and more just America, despite many differences of opinion and some dissent regarding his Ghandi-inspired non-violent method of protest. He asserted "the aftermath of non-violence is the creation of the beloved community, while the aftermath of violence is tragic bitterness." He was able to generate cohesion in the face of a fractured and sometimes multi-factional movement due to his ability to direct people towards a common vision and goal. Dr. King possessed a rare ability to create balance and unity. Political power was not the end goal but the bringing together of people in the spirit of love and reconciliation. He firmly believed "there is within human nature an amazing potential for goodness." Perhaps Dr. King's most prominent quality was the ability to move people with words. He was a powerful and authoritative orator, using vivid and metaphorical language to captivate and galvanize people to action. From the profound, "Letter from Birmingham Jail," to his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. King embodied the importance of language and the manner in which it is conveyed and articulated. He remained patient and reflective among a movement often preoccupied with impassioned disagreements. As a leader and mediator, he listened to his people. He acknowledged any disagreements, but maintained a stalwart and passionate defense of the importance of carrying out a mission: to attain a shared vision and goal for justice and equality. His passion for change and his unshakeable belief in the talents and skills of his followers, encouraged cohesion and empowerment within the movement. More importantly, he maintained their trust. His ability to manage, make decisions and plan for success created trustworthiness and confidence. As a transformational leader, he projected the power to eradicate the forces of discrimination and segregation that cast a shadow over the nation believing that to live in the United States meant "we are caught in a network of inescapable mutuality. Therefore, no American can afford to be apathetic about the problem of racial justice." Dr. King was self-sacrificing and courageous in the face of adversity and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. He possessed a determination to succeed even in the face of great danger and hatred, illustrating qualities of hard work, bravery and persistence in order to defy his detractors. He was not afraid to work from a grass roots level and marched with his supporters in solidarity, rather than merely commanding from a distance, disconnected and out of touch. According to Dr. Peter Ling, "for King...leadership meant standing up for what he believed in, and being a drum major for justice." During this month, remember and acknowledge this great man and visionary leader. If you serve in a leadership role, reflect upon your own leadership qualities and style. Above all, learn from Dr. King, communicate with, and cultivate your people to work towards their full potential. Inspire and invest in your workforce and ensure you are promoting the qualities of fairness and equality of opportunity for all. Engage with and take a sincere interest in knowing your people. Everyone has a dream and Dr King had one that encompassed all of humanity in peace and brotherhood. His proactive approach and talent for motivating people culminated in the creation and implementation of the Civil Rights Act 1963. President Obama paid homage to the legacy of Dr King's leadership at the Lincoln Memorial thus: "His words belong to the ages, possessing a power and prophecy unmatched in our time...people who love their country can change it...when millions of Americans of every race and every religion, every faith and every station can join together in the spirit of brotherhood...we live up to the true meaning of our creed as one nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." (President Obama, 28 Aug 13, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr, "I have a dream..." speech 50th Anniversary) Remember! Celebrate! Act!