COOPERATION

Cooperation with others.

Perception, experience, tenacity.

Know when to lead and when to follow.

When we become involved with a fellowship, we must gradually become

an integral, organic part of that organization. The relationship will be

one of mutual influence : We must carefully influence the collective,

and in turn, we will be shaped by the company we keep.

Influencing others requires perception. We need to know when to act,

when to be pbumive, when others are receptive to us, and when they will

not listen. This takes experience, of course, and it is necessary to

take part in a great many relationships — from our families to

community bumociations — to cultivate the proper sensitivity. In time,

there will be moments of both frustration and success, but in either

case, a certain tenacity is crucial. If we are thwarted in our

initiatives, then we must persevere by either maintaining our position

or changing it if a better one prevails. If we are successful, we must

not rely on charisma alone, but we must also work to fully realize what

the group has resolved to do.

True leadership is a combination of initiative and humility. The

best leader remains obscure, leading but drawing no personal attention.

As long as the collective has direction, the leader is satisfied. Credit

is not to be taken, it will be awarded when the people realize that it

was the subtle influence of the leader that brought them success.