Living on the edge doesn't even start to describe Martin Luther King

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can be to many as one of the most inspirational leaders of all time.  The civil rights movement would have most likely never been successful with out him.  I would say MLK is a prime example of authentic leadership. This quote might help us understand the severity of what "negros" were facing at the time and still today; "But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so we have come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.”  What can we take from his statements that day which inspired millions and still will continue to inspire millions for years to come?  It came from the heart.  Authentic leaders are not afraid to challenge the status-quo that deters many of us from inspiring the people around us.  


There were many leaders during the civil rights movement but to most of us, MLK is the only one that sticks out.  Is that a coincidence or the way it's suppose to be?  I believe it isn't.  MLK won our hearts because he was original . What do you think about MLK?  Is he a true subject of authentic leadership?  Authentic leaders must portray various aspects to be considered an authentic leader; passion, compassion, consistency, connectedness, and behavior. I feel Dr. King possesses all of these traits but one that stands out to me is his drive of compassion.  Compassion equates to heart.  Dr. King had a heart bigger than the Grinch from the Grinch that Stole Christmas, and his heart changed millions and the way our society knows and functions today! 


Check out this article for eight leadership traits we should take from Dr. King. http://michaelhyatt.com/eight-leadership-lessons-from-martin-luther-king-jr.html

-Nick Kulavic