 The Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines leader as “a powerful person who controls or influences what other people do: a person who leads a group, organization, country, etc." I have been told that if but one person follows, you are a leader. I have recently realized that’s not completely true. I’m sure Merriam knows what it’s talking about, however….. when you step out, against the “normal”, when you take the initiative to do something others only ever talk about, when you make a change despite the odds being stacked against you. When you rise above the stereotype that has been placed on you due to upbringing, environment, personal past and financial status. Even when no one follows you. Even when you are ALONE. YOU. ARE. A. LEADER. Hell yeah! I have sat in seminars, I have been to trainings, I have listened to some of the very best mentors on the subject of leadership. I have had the honor of being brought up by the most wise, sober, well rounded human beings I believe to exist and then lucky enough to have worked for someone for 12 years of equal caliber. Everyone of them has taught me something new and each time I have been enlightened to something different. This idea of leadership came to me at the end of a very long, very sweaty, very uphill run on a very hot afternoon. I had just about a quarter of a mile to go. I was lumbering and mostly dragging the right side of my body. I had pretty much given up on the original plan to finish this run in a timely fashion. I just was hoping for survival. (I’m sure it was an interesting spectacle to look out your kitchen window and see.) Anyhow, this idea was almost more of a revelation. I have been running since I was 22. I have a had one consistent running partner for that time period. People ask me about running and fitness, we chat about what it would take to get into better overall fitness. Others say how much they admire me. I recognize friendly smiles and waves as cars go by. But no one ever follows. No one ever joins and sticks with it. Sure, I have had people run with me in the past. But here I am. Alone. Just me, my gasping breath and the hopes of a cold glass of water when I finish. But I always continue on. I always manage to get my shoes laced up and myself out the door. I never give up, I never let discomfort, difficulty and my own personal fears stop me from anything. I continue to be me. I continue to run. People notice your actions. People hear what you say. They may not directly acknowledge that they have done so. But who you are effects others. It’s that simple.  I have recently cut the following out of a magazine and taped it to the fridge:
Don’t worry that children never listen to you, worry that they are always watching you. It’s the “leadership when no one is following” theory. And we all know that children don’t ever seem to listen. Ever. But they sure do copy your actions. Repeat the one thing we said yesterday in frustration and probably shouldn’t have. But we keep teaching, guiding and directing. And then suddenly…..they hear us. They say please, thank you. Or maybe something on a larger scale like asking for help. Or changing direction in their daily life. But in reality they have been listening and watching all along. They have been learning. They have been developing a method, values, morals. And all because they have been being led by us. By our consistency. By our power of example. So, for everyone of you that has risen above, taken the initiative to make a better life for yourself, for your family. When you smile at someone passing by, reach out a hand in greeting or assistance. Each time you don’t lash out, every time you exhibit self control. For all of you who have walked away from something that has only inhibited you. Even when no one follows. Even when you are alone. You are a leader.
6 Comments
|
RSS Feed