Far ranging minds think beyond the now. They peer past the way things are, all the way to the possibilities of what could be.
Far Ranging Minds
I had the opportunity to visit Boston, Massachusetts this past week. It was my first time visiting this historically rich city.
It was perfect timing as we prepared to celebrate the 250th birthday of America. Boston was the site of so many pivotal moments during the fight for independence: the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and Paul Revere’s Ride.
Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers, was born and raised in Boston. As much as I study American history, I confess that I was unaware of his influence there. I had generally associated most of his life’s work in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
There were several monuments, statues, and plaques that honored him throughout the area. I was reading one of the plaques and it had a series of descriptions of him. It said he was a, “printer, scientist, diplomat, and statesman. A man of towering eminence.”
As I continued to read, a three-word phrase caught my eye, “far ranging mind.” It’s not a common descriptor that we would utilize these days, but it resonated. Here are my thoughts on those three words.
Far
Mr. Franklin saw far. He and the founding fathers saw what could be when it came to America. Those supporting the American Revolution were inspired by these men’s vision, enough so that they were willing to risk it all to pursue it.
Vision is the ability to see not only far, but further. Further than the average person. I have found in my journey in this world, not everyone is gifted with the ability to see further.
Leading people requires the ability to see a time and a place that others cannot even imagine. It’s a gift that generates motivation within others to pursue something they cannot even see.
Leaders see far.
Ranging
Printer, scientist, diplomat, and statesmen. That is a wide-RANGING skillset! Franklin was not formally educated, his family could not afford to do so. Therefore, he was self-taught in many areas. I imagine that he dabbled in different areas of experience, tinkering and experimenting with a wide-ranging pursuit of knowledge.
We are often encouraged to specialize in things. Find something, get really good at it, and Plant the Flag on an area of expertise.
The greatest leaders I know are wide-ranging. Not only are they effective in The Arena in which they operate. They cast a wide net in the pursuit of knowledge and capture as much as they can. Being exposed to vast amounts of valuable information only makes us more valuable in leading others.
Leaders are wide-ranging.
Mind
Ben Franklin was known to be a great thinker. Great thinkers have curious and inquisitive minds. His mind led to great inventions such as bifocals, the lightening rod, and significant advancements in the world of electricity.
While he was obviously creative, the plaque also shared two descriptors before, “far ranging mind.” They were “humorous” and “realistic.” Franklin had the creative mind to be humorous, yet possessed the practical mind to be realistic…a rare combination.
Most people fall into just one of these camps. Great leaders manage to set up camp in both areas. They have the unique ability to be creative, yet practical.
Leaders have great minds.
Conclusion
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word eminence as a, “Position of prominence.” The adjective “towering” preceded the word eminence on his plaque. Ben Franklin did big and prominent things in this world. His impact is still felt to this day.
When our time on earth is done, most of us will not receive a monument, statue, or even a plaque in our honor. We likely won’t invent something that changes the world either.
What we do possess is the ability to leave a legacy that was worth living for. It’s the inscription on the hearts of the people we love and lead that matter. It’s our best chance to make an impact on future generations that we will never see. What will we do with that ability?
Great leaders have far ranging minds.
