The world needs leaders now more than ever.
Leadership shines when our world is confused and in disorder.
Leadership shines when the system breaks down.
Leadership shines when the deconstruction of society occurs.
And we don't need any type of leadership…. we need fresh, innovative, passionate leaders for a new world. The kind that will pick up the broken pieces and will create something new with it. Leaders with new eyes. Non-traditional leadership. People who will challenge what is normal and build a more sustainable world. Leaders who think about the generations.
Are you this type of leader? Do you want to be? If so, from one leader to another, here are a few trademarks worth mentioning:
1. Lead with empathy. People are going through s*%t right now. Family members and friends have passed away. Others in our community are hurting due to racism. Leadership for TODAY begins with our hearts and our ears, finding people in the middle of the struggle. Picture being in the woods and finding a cave. You know that your best friend is in that cave, injured somehow. Empathic leadership is going down that cave, finding your friend, telling them you're not alone anymore. The world is in a cave right now. It’s up to us to go down and meet people where they are.
Empathy is about feeling pain with people right now. Action will come but before that happens, empathy listens, cries, and saying, "yeah that's not right and I'm with you".
2. Lead with optimism. This one is interesting to define. Optimism isn’t the rejection of reality, it’s being purposeful about building a better future. Optimism is KEY right now--don't underestimate it. Optimism is believing that you are the answer, not somebody else. Optimism is seeing the way out through the rubble --It'll push you through when it gets tough. Optimism is holding onto a vision, even when evil is screaming at you. My good friend Samwise Gamgee from LOTR said it best,
“In the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.”
In a world of confusion, will you believe that its gonna get better? Exercise that muscle. Flex it every now and again.
3. Lead with passion. Passion is what moves people. Analysis, numbers, and logic aren’t complete without a passionate spirit. Passion is when that switch turns on on the inside. It’s when the fire is lit up. It’s when time and energy are irrelevant because you're gonna do it. It’s what causes you to run in the dark with only a small flashlight, rain or shine. Passion is lit from within but fanned from the outside. People can fan it; injustice can fan it; anger definitely fans it. The leaders of the future lead with intelligence and with a fire burning inside.
Leadership isn’t a personality or for extroverts only. It's not ageist. Anybody can be a leader. Leadership is both hereditary and it is learned. Leadership isn’t being the loudest person - it’s having a big spirit. It’s influencing and bringing hope to people. Lastly, leadership isn’t about being a boss...the world doesn’t need more bosses...it needs people who are more human.
You can be this type of person. The world is waiting for you.
Comments