Nobility. Personally, I consider it the most foundational of virtues. It is the basis of the belief that we are of real value, and that others are as well. It is of dignity of character and execution alike; and it is of authenticity. It is manifested in how we believe, think and act; demonstrated through spirit, mind and body…. whether that of the individual or organization or community.

Within the Baha’i Faith, there is a Writing of Bahá’u’lláh that says “Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which thou wast created.” Take a moment to replace thee and thyself and thou with your own name. I use my entire name for full effect. When you have done so, consider the potential. Consider the very real potential.

Tonight, I co-host MoMondays St. John’s with Joel Sweeney. It is our fourteenth event since we took on the franchise in May of 2013. What I most love about MoMondays is the opportunity to help build a community around what I affectionately call the “democratization of inspiration” (we all can inspire each other with our experience) and the brilliance of witnessing the nobility of the human character. It is leadership at its best. I have long said that humanity is our most noble expression. Inhumanity is our least. We witness this every MoMondays from stories of business to personal trial and triumph. It is incredibly inspiring and real.

And tonight, I share my own story of nobility, expressed by a former professor of mine who was a gamechanger for my life and its trajectory. This evening I get to share his power of nobility that still reigns and rains over my life some 35 years later.

My work in noble leadership is really all about engaging our highest character not as a stretch to be something we are not, but as a dig within to find who we always were, at our best. Nobility is not the select birthright of some. It is a universal birthright and great, truly great, leaders do this. They find it and show it. Nobility is not about the big or small picture but your picture, living and working your life true to yourself and others.

Read the Writing again, with your name replaced. Then ponder what impact it has for your ultimate confidence to do what truly drives you with consistent excellence. Noble leadership moves us and others. It unites us in the best, most pure, and powerful of ways. Those who have inspired incredible change have manifested it. What is your best expression of nobility going forward? Do that.

Peace, passion and prosperity.

Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy™

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