Louis XIV on Leadership and Expectations

A view that might make you think—especially if you’re a leader!!!

Expectations are a killer. That’s not an overstatement since unrealistic expectations always lead to disappointment in the end. It’s much easier to go through life with a lens that’s clear and not rose colored.

Part of the expectation trap is having rigid judgement of others. That habit is tricky, usually based on little information or no information at all, and often results in simply following the crowd. We’re always safer to have opinions and even strong opinions since those are easier to change when presented with irresistible logic. Judgments, however—with heels dug in, are more difficult to shift. 

So, where do we focus most judgments? Leaders are the easiest to take pot shots at and the other most likely target is us. Most people are hardest on themselves, which creates lives that are very challenging. At least, that’s what I’ve always believed. Thankfully, any belief I hold I never assume is 100 percent correct. Yes, I could be persuaded otherwise by an intelligent, logical, fact-based argument. 

That’s why I’m perfect for the work I do and am always humbled while doing it.  Even at my age, I learn something new with each message from the “other side”. You see their perspective is without bias or judgment or any other human filter that gets in the way of what our souls know to be true. Maybe, we could say they bring a more divine perspective. One thing is for sure, whether they agree with my point of view or not, their slant on any situation is always unique.

Such was the case with Louis XIV (1638-1715), who was King of France from the time he was five years old until his death—a reign of 72 years and 110 days. His was the longest time on the throne of any monarch in history, surpassing Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain who served as queen for 70 years and 214 days.

When I first realized it was Louis XIV with a message, I dutifully pulled out my pad and ballpoint, not expecting he’d give me a lot of pause for thought. You may not expect much from him either, but again this is a lesson in expectations! You might be just as surprised as I was at the insight and wisdom he reveals today.

            “Life is much different for a ruler than for the ruler’s subjects—or for that matter, common man. The expectations are quite elevated. Perfection is the standard and if one cannot rule with perfection, using fear is the perfect distraction. If subjects are cowering in fear, looking downward, they cannot see that the emperor is stark naked.

            “I didn’t need to use fear because I had many personal gifts—a comeliness, a charm, and an ability to persuade—even my advisors—since I grew up on the throne.

            “My reason for coming to you, my dear woman, is to remind leaders of families, of neighborhoods, of townships, of proprietorships and even those on a much larger scale to remember to NOT judge themselves with the same standard of perfection we believe others hold for us. You see that perfection is a myth. [It is] an ideal that rarely manifests—for we are all human, we are flawed and sometimes it is the vulnerability in us that draws others near [and]the weaknesses that attract the rescuers among us and so the perfect circle of life continues.

            “By virtue of birth or rank or election—some appear to be more or greater. The office is—the man is not.

            “I learned much as a ruler of men but learned much more here, where the light of love illuminates everything, removes the shadows, and highlights the Divine in each thing and each person. Ahh, to see through such eyes as a living man! Wouldn’t that be ideal?

            “Sincerely, King Louis XIV”

That would indeed. To see first the divine spark in another’s soul and instantly flood them with unconditional love, then you can decide whether you like them or approve of their behavior or not. That seems a much better way to approach everything in life. The love connection only takes a second, but that tiny second could transform relationships, bring us much needed objectivity, help enhance our respect for all living things—including our planet, and maybe even change this world.