In his book, The Burden of Command, J.B. Edwards described the mindset leaders must posses in other to remain effective as they assume an office. He went on to describe five “Burdens” leaders must concern themselves with. Self-awareness, Competence, Servanthood, Communication and Management. There is no mention of ill will.

In 1990, when Nelson Mandela was released from prison, after twenty-seven years of incarceration, he made a profound comment: “As I stand before the door of my freedom, I realize that if I do not leave my pain, bitterness and anger, I will still be in prison.”

The lesson, my friend, is that grudge, malice, ill will, have no place in the mind of leaders on a great journey. Leadership will almost always expose you to conflicts with others. Shed them fast. Let your mind be occupied, consumed even, with the vision and destination, and how to get there. Cheers.