Great Leaders Don’t Chase Titles — Titles Chase True Character

All the great leaders I’ve known never cared much about titles, prizes or awards.

When the governor of Kyoto called on Zen master Keichen, he gave his business card to the disciple who opened the door.

When the card was handed to Keichen, it read: Kitagaki, Governor of Kyoto. He shouted, “Throw him out! I don’t associate with people like that!”

When the flustered disciple came to apologise, the governor pulled out another card and this time crossed out his title. “Try again, please,” he said.

The disciple duly obliged.

“Well, well!” Keichen cried, “How nice! Katagaki is here to see me! Show him in! Show him in!”

Respect and authority flow naturally from your character and competence, not from any title conferred on you by others.

Live that truth, and you won’t need to chase any titles or awards – they will chase after you.