While looking up the definition or teacher and master and idea for another post was born. I wanted to define between teaching and ruling the pack. Where the teacher really has no ulterior motives, the master can in some ways be a very powerful leader.
This could result both into a positive and negative outcome. If we look at history and how past leaders have ruled the pack in an entirely wrong way, it is easy to see how quickly things turn sour. Just look at Hittler and how he managed to murder thousands of people in the process of being an overlord on the dark side.
Overlord defined!
The definition of overlord states it to be “a person who has general authority over others”. This in itself can be a very dangerous weapon.
Especially if those “others” are part of a social system that doesn’t allow them to execute their own beliefs and minds.
They aren’t free, even if they’d like to think so.
When Darth Vader said: “don’t underestimate the force” he certainly didn’t refer to the good force. As a matter of fact, it is often the inflated ego of such overlords that ruin whole nations and civilizations.
An overlord might have power to rule the pack, but often he fails to have the pack’s trust and love for the cause.
Another typical example would be President Bush. Nuff said!
Master of many
To become a master of many we will have to become a teacher first. Teachers in the educational system are “those who help students or pupils learn, often in a school.”
As business owners we often slip into the role of teacher ourselves. The whole point of our blogs is to educate others and help them prevent making the same mistakes we’ve made along the way.
Yes, we also blog to step into the limelight, network, make sales and earn money. But when it boils down to the actual existence of blogs, we do it to spread our knowledge!
To start with, we are all teachers in some ways. Even the new blogger has a wealth of knowledge he/she is able to share with the rest of the community.
So how do we progress from able teacher to master status?
Becoming a true master
If we really want the undivided respect in any community we walk,we need to become true servants. Not slaves mind you, but really wanting to help others from the core of our hearts - without any ulterior motives.
The following quote sums this up perfectly:
One whose personal life is like unto the Master in loving compassion and full humility of soul, with nothing of “I” or “me” left; one whose continual ascension releases more and greater Power and Light for students to ascend upon. Miriams Well
Only when we truly ascend to helping our students reach success do we become a true master at what we do!
- A true master has the power to inspire his students to take action!
- A true master stays humble, regardless of his level of success.
- A true master is happiest when his students outgrow him
- A true master is hard to find these days
Be careful with your power!
It is easy to be lead astray when power is our number one weapon. Abusing power only leads to death. If we use power to inspire however, we can be responsible for something big and great. We can inspire others to dream again. To find renewed hope. We help them to keep the faith…
… and survive!
How do you use YOUR power? Is it something you consciously do, or do you just follow your heart wherever that might lead you?
Monika
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Hi Monika,
I love this post! You should be talking where I work. This is very much like a point I have tried to make a few times there. I have noticed the lingo change over the past year or so. No longer are people referred to as “managers”, but now as “leaders”.
To which I’ve said a few times (in the right circles, so as not to hang myself), “I see many managers, but few leaders”. For a leader to me is much like your definition of master - someone who cares, someone who inspires, someone I’d follow to the end - a manager is more like the teacher, they just tell you what to do and you kind of say, “meh, okay”.
@ Brett: isn’t there a name for this “manager mentality” somewhere. Don’t worry, it also happens here in Oz.
I would be delighted to speak on your stage.
I require a first class ticket and accommodation. It might make for a lovely side trip. 
You know I’ve done public speaking and love it.
@ Monika,
We have a name for it at work, but it’s a bit rude
I’ll see what I can do about the ticket
I’d love to have you here and I know you’d be a great speaker!
(checks lottery ticket numbers)
@ Brett: LOL, let’s keep those thumbs crossed then shall we. If not I can always hop over the pond once you are my new neighbor.
Wouldn’t that be fun?!
@Monika: I certainly will - if I win, you & John can have an all expenses paid trip over here to visit, and we’ll join you on a return flight to show you our new place in Aotearoa, then drop you off back at your place…
Barring a stroke of random luck, I’ll just keep on going with my current plans and you can hop across for a flat white at my new house, or we can drop in for a fourex, once we get there!
@ Brett: That sounds great. For some reason I think we will actually do this too. An exciting thought to say the least. Maybe we can make it a regular outing too. It is only a few hours flight anyway.
What are a few hours in the space of a lifetime?
@ Monika: well, so far each little step along the way is falling into place. So it is inevitable…
Yes, what are a few hours? We already drive two hours and a bit about once a month, to go into the largest nearby city to shop. So a few hours on a plane to visit friends is not a problem at all!
If you wish to succeed in teaching and studying, see the new book on amazon.com: “Teaching and Helping Students Think and Do Better”.
@Dr.Sanford: Thank you for the tip. I will check it out.
There are a lot of good writers online Monika and no doubt you are one of them but I have always noticed you stand out although I could never put my finger on why - until I read your letter to your folks. I now realize it’s because you can convey an honesty and sincerity in your writing that most others lack. We have never met in person but I know you well and it’s because you convey yourself so well in words.
Have you ever met someone and liked them immediately? Truly great leaders have a quality that makes people trust them. They are sincere. You have the same quality and it jumps off the page. No one attracts friends online like you do. It amazes me. I have no doubt that you would do the same thing standing in front of an audience. One day Monika…
Yup Grizzly, she’s extremely honest and sincere…the Caroline Middlebrook of Australia! I really appreciate those qualities in a blogger. Nothing’s more off-putting than a blog that seems to be written by a cyborg.
@ Grizzly: Wow Griz, you flatter me! Thank you my friend. You know, I never see myself as a leader, all though the idea of standing up on stage and inspire people is one of my dreams.
I guess I’m just brutally honest and some people like this and others don’t. It’s fine with me. What you said here though puts a huge grin on my face and I would lie if I said I didn’t like this.
I know exactly what you mean with liking somebody instantly. You know, I felt the same way back at the beginning of last year (gosh, is it so long ago?) when I met you. One day we will meet in person and I will fish in your lake!
Thank you from my heart for all you have done for me Griz, you are a true friend!
@ Hunter: Hehehehe…cyborg, that is funny. I just imagine how aliens type furiously on their keyboard trying to hold a conversation on their blog with the earthlings. Thanks.
YAY! Monika quoted Vader! LOVE IT!
The force is strong in Monika…
@ Brett aka Yoda: thank you master!
@ Bob: Ccchhhh…..“I sense something. A presence I’ve not felt since…” ccchhhhh….;-)
Monika,
This post is great and really speaks to the heart of the matter of what makes an inspiring leader to me.
I am very put off by someone who is just interested in builing their empire rather than working toward the greater good.
For me, it’s all about helping people to grow in their own walk. Wherever they are at the time for them, not where I am, where they are, is the important thing.
Wendi
@ Wendi: yep, totally agree with you. Isn’t it much more satisfying helping others while we grow anyway? For me it is and I love nothing more than receiving a comment or email from somebody who feels that I have helped them in some way.
It makes my own journey worthwhile and is part of living. You said it so nicely there Wendi “wherever they are at the time for them, not where I am…”
make money online…
It also got me to wondering what it is that people get from these things. Do people really draw motivation from this stuff? I have been reading Darren Brown’ s Tricks of the Mind , or at least re- reading sections of it, this week. He points out that…