Hunger is a powerful motivator. It goes far beyond just wanting something. It suggests that we have a lack of something – a need that yearns to be satisfied.

In the journey for more we invariably come against obstacles that require greater motivation and effort in order to persevere. Without true hunger many people turn back and give up the quest. That is why great leaders need to be hungry, so that they do not shrink at the first sign of opposition.

Greed on the other hand, while also being a yearning, does not start from a point of need, or lack of something, but rather from a position of abundance. Unfortunately, it is a yearning that will never be satisfied and therefor keeps driving ahead for more, to the point of unjustly taking that which belongs to others.

That is why Andy Stanley said, “greed is not a money issue. It is a Heart issue.”

Life is ultimately about pursuit and sacrifice. Science tells that everything is decaying and unless we keep building we will eventually have nothing. It is like a sandcastle that keeps falling apart, sometimes almost as fast as we can build it.

We are constantly making trade-offs and sacrifices involving: time, money, health, relationships, vision, present/future, etc.

Both pursuit and sacrifice are good things as long as they are kept in perspective and only affect us and what is ours. As soon as we cross over and start sacrificing things that belong to others we enter the minefield of greed.

In the words of Mwai Kibaki, former President of Kenya, “Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed.”

 

Printable image. Just click on the image and print as you normally would.Herb Mast is Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.