Arnold Schwarzenegger: Competitor, Entertainer ... Leader?

Yahoo ^ | Oct. 1, 2003 | PRNewswire

[FairOpinion]

Leadership Experts at Aevitas Learning Predict Success

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- California's race for governor has Arnold Schwarzenegger firmly positioned as the favorite to win in that state's recall election. As the candidacy seems to ride not on political experience or bureaucratic savvy but rather on issues of leadership, the question remains: Can Arnold lead? Yes, according one expert. In fact, "Arnold may be the best example of personal leadership we have out there," says Matthew May, president of Aevitas Learning, a Los Angeles-based consultancy specializing in leadership and executive development.

"Most failures of those in positions of authority stem not from lack of knowledge, skill or experience, but from a lack of self-leadership -- usually in the form of mismatched talent, weak character, poor judgment, or unclear purpose," says May. "Leading yourself is the defining prerequisite to successfully leading others."

May says Arnold is a shining model of how to do just that. He flawlessly executes the three keys to self-leadership, thereby creating an undeniable legacy of impact. According to May, Arnold first and foremost governs his gifts. He always moves from strength -- he knows his raw potential, plays from power, stands firm on his values, pushes his own limits, and drives for mastery at whatever he undertakes. Next, Schwarzenegger shares his strengths -- he has deep clarity around his purpose -- he moves beyond whatever immediate "job description" he has at the time (bodybuilding champion, action hero, celebrity) to help others with whom he is connected have greater impact, thereby enhancing his own. In short, he never falls short of making a real contribution through his endeavors.

Finally, Arnold anchors his ambition -- no matter what he sets out to do, his dreams are tied firmly to his abilities and his purpose. He doesn't fantasize; rather, he envisions a new future that represents a dream framed within what's truly possible, given his unique talents and aims. In his bodybuilding, his ambition was to become Mr. Olympia and elevate the sport of bodybuilding -- a dream firmly rooted in his genetic potential, work ethic, and more noble purpose. In his acting, he understood his talent was not dramatic or serious thespian art, but rather action heroics and adventure-based fantasy entertainment. His higher aim was crystal clear: reinvent the entire genre.

"Arnold has moved well beyond career success to become a genuine leader," claims May. "Will he be able to lead in a role as governor of California? My bet is yes, and far better than anyone holding the current title or even thinking about the race."

Matthew May is the author of the forthcoming book Absolute Impact: The Drive for Personal Leadership (Peloton Publishing, October 2003) and president of Aevitas Learning, a Los Angeles-based consultancy specializing in executive development and change management. For more information on Aevitas Learning, visit www.aevitas.com.

[FairOpinion]

"Will he be able to lead in a role as governor of California? My bet is yes, and far better than anyone holding the current title or even thinking about the race."

[FairOpinion]

ping

[FairOpinion]

Do you want to ping your list?

[BunnySlippers]

ARNOLD bump!

[FairOpinion]

Some people are born leaders -- Arnold is definitely one of them.

[EggsAckley]

ping

[EggsAckley]

"Arnold may be the best example of personal leadership we have out there,"

[dennisw]

Ping me after the election. I say Hispanics will leave Bustamante and flock to Arnold due his projection of leadership and optimism.

[Rabid Dog]

Matthew May also owns the company that is publishing his book.

Peloton Publishing
Address:
3617 Thousand Oaks Blvd., #209
Los Angeles, CA 91362
Contact: Matthew May

[Tamzee]

[habs4ever]

That's what the job is all about, and not being the best technocrat.Arnie is a natural, and very rare :)

[EggsAckley]

Yep. It'll be interesting to see the naysayers eat their words once Arnold gets into gear. He's gonna shine!

[habs4ever]

Good businessman, then? He'll publish a book about a winner on winning.Tom will be licking his pencil, while he fills in forms at Wiener Dog.

[68 grunt]

Everyone of my hispanic amigos are voting for Arnold. Leadership! Unity!

[My2Cents]

This guy's comments are PRECISELY why I am voting for Arnold instead of Tom. Tom is right on all the issues. "Big deal," if you don't have the leadership abilities to reach out beyond your 18% constituency.

[My2Cents]

his projection of leadership and optimism.

Arnold's optimism is the most Reaganesque thing about this entire recall campaign.

[habs4ever]

They won't eat a thing, as they'll change the terms of debate in mid stream.Up is down, black is white, Arnie is a sellout...coming this Novemember, in time for Beaujolais Noveau, is the premier vintage of California Sour Grapes, heavy on the acid ;-)

[Rabid Dog]

I believe his 18% would represent half of the Registered Republicans in California. Which is reflected here on the forum poll. About 1/2 of California Republicans have been steadfast in their support. Inspite of all the efforts by the CA G.O.P.

[FairOpinion]

"About 1/2 of California Republicans have been steadfast in their support. Inspite of all the efforts by the CA G.O.P. "

===

Is this something to be proud of, that half the Republicans prefer to lose and keep the Democrats in power in CA, despite a large number of prominent CONSERVATIVE Republicans and the CA GOP itself telling them to help win this one?

The reason there are parties, is for people to join together to win, to influence the situation.l By losing you get nothing, no seat at the table.

[EggsAckley]

Today I heard the number of re-registered voters, can't remember it, but it was huge, in the hundreds of thousands, maybe almost a half million. Welcome home, California! We've been missing you for years.