8 Leadership Lessons From Martin Luther King Jr.

Today, January 18, we celebrate across the nation the tremendous legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership excellence is best exemplified in his famous “I Have A Dream” speech that was delivered on August 28, 1963. In what is arguably one of the most famous speeches in history, Martin Luther King Jr. provided an articulate version for the future of this great nation. The speech contained some great leadership insights. If fact, an executive leadership development program could be built around the lessons from that Dr. King gave in that historic speech.

From Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech there are eight great leadership insights. They are:

1. Great leaders do not sugar coat reality.
Martin Luther King Jr. talked directly about the conflict and brutal reality facing the nation so that he could later set the stage for his vision on how we all can overcome these problems.

2. Great leaders engage the heart.
While logic may compel the mind, stories and metaphors move the heart. This is the difference between offering information and inspiration. Dr. King chose not to make a fact-based argument and instead decided to make a direct appeal to the hearts of the world. In so doing he made history.

3. Great leaders refuse to accept the status quo.
Dr. King refused to accept what was currently acceptable and outlined a bold vision on what needed to be changed – why it needed to be changed – and how it would be changed. Effective career coaching – like what we provide at OI Partners – helps leaders fine tune this critical skill.

4. Great leaders create a sense of urgency.
They are impatient—in a good way. They refuse to just sit by and let things take their natural course. They have a sense of urgency and communicate it. Dr. King reminded America of the “fierce urgency of Now”.

5. Great leaders call people to act in accord with their highest values.
Dr. King took the higher ground of nonviolent resistance that his movement would have the moral authority in their quest for change. Like Ghandi and Nelson Mandela, Dr. King believed that his movement could achieve their objectives by taking a higher standard.

6. Great leaders refuse to settle.
Great leaders know when to be stubborn and when it is better to compromise. Dr. King made a number of compromises on the smaller things, but was relentless when it came to achieving his vision.

7. Great leaders acknowledge the sacrifice of their followers.
They notice the effort their people have expended. Dr. King did not take credit for the accomplishments of his movement. He saw it as a collective effort. From this he received the engagement of his followers.

8. Great leaders paint a vivid picture of a better tomorrow.
Leaders can never grow weary of articulating their vision. They must be clear and concrete. They have to help their followers see what they see. Dr. King talked about his dream:
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.”

King's impressive command of the above leadership lessons led to truly historic success. They hold powerful lessons for all leaders, and underscore the courage and persistence needed to change the world. Leaders who want to change minds and overcome deeply entrenched prejudices, biases, and misguided values need to master the eight lessons profiled above and illustrated through Dr King's words and deeds.