LEADERSHIP

DBC is having a leadership workshop in the morning and I thought it would be an appropriate time to share these thoughts. This is a summary of a recent article in the Washington Post. 

Leadership is not always about doing HUGE things. We all possess the ability to impact change around us, but unfortunately we come up with a myriad of excuses.  For those in large, bureaucratic organizations you may assume it's too hard to get anything done.  Or if you have a boss that isn't a particularly good leader you think there's nothing you can do, "Look at the boss I have!"  Sometimes we sit around waiting for someone else to tell us what we can do as leaders to work, support and get along with others.  Do we really need to wait?  Why can’t we take that first step to improve the lives of those around us?

Many of us feel that if the people above us in leadership are not 'stellar' we are blocked by what we can do.  There may be some truth to this if we are trying to create or change something in the workplace (or in the church) that requires approval and resources under the control of others.  Yet there are still many things we can do.  We have to remember that we are the ones who directly impact people close to us. 

In their book, A Leader’s Legacy, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner write that “the legacy you leave is the life you lead each and every day.”  Each day we have numerous opportunities to make a difference – by coaching others, listening to them, thanking them, assisting them, being positive with them and the list goes on.  These aren't HUGE things or are they?

What can you do to be a person who effects positive changes?  You first have to recognize that others are observing what you do.  You have to recognize that all of the small actions you take each day add up to create your legacy as a leader.  Look at each day as a new opportunity to positively impact and inspire those around you by asking for their input, supporting their efforts, sharing a hopeful vision for the future, and recognizing their contributions.  And most importantly, remember that it just takes one person to make a difference.

History is filled with stories of how one person made a difference in the lives of others.  Isn’t it time that person was me, was you?  Let’s take the message that “it starts with me” to heart.  Let’s take a first step today to creating our leadership legacies.