Yes, a leader must show the way, articulate the vision, light the fire and yet… all that eventually is little use if a leader does not invest in developing people. For if those she leads are not growing, maturing, evolving, and expanding, no organization, no movement, will survive for long much less flourish. A leader daily asks themselves: Am I using my talents for my benefit? Or for the benefit of those I lead, for the purpose I’ve set as my North Star? Every action we take expresses our value system; a leader continually checks their behavior and their words against their actions.

AND… We are ALL Leaders.

Yes, YOU. Someone observed you today, someone took something away from your behavior. You impacted someone, influenced them. If you are a parent, you are your children’s greatest role model. No man is an island; the ripples of your life inevitably register with others. The saying that “you are the sum total of the 5 people you spend the most time with” goes both ways: you are part of someone else’s five. We tend to become like those we admire; aspire to be worthy of admiration; not by never falling down or stumbling but by rising up cheerfully and trying again with energy, enthusiasm and a smile, ever wiser for the experience. Become the role model you wished you had, become your best self more often.

Closing Quotes:

“Life’s most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” – John Adams, 1735-1826, 2nd American president

“By being a living role model of what you want to receive from others, you create more of what you want in your life.” – Eric Allenbaugh, Deliberate Success, Turning Purpose and Passion Into Performance Results

“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” – Albert Schweitzer, 1875-1965

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier