When most people hear about leaders they conjure up images of icons from history books like Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington, or Susan B. Anthony. Most of us fail to recognize leadership qualities in a factory line worker who acknowledges pivotal moments in their co-workers lives or a stay at home mother who is nurturing her children by providing them with a safe and educational environment.
All of us encompass the ability to provide evidence that we have leadership capabilities. Rosa Parks is the perfect example of an unlikely leader. She was not born in to privilege, but in a fundamental instant she stuck to her principles and refused to relinquish her seat. I am confident that she did not view herself as being a leader, but she most certainly was.
Leadership is shown through the small everyday things that we do. Go the extra mile. Stand up for what is right. Praise individuals that make strides to better themselves. Be positive, you are a leader no matter what your profession is!
JFH
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Core
Whatever happened to faithfulness, honor, brotherhood, and hard-work? We have all heard of “the greatest generation”, those who were born in the roaring twenties, spent their childhoods struggling through a national depression, went off to fight against fascism, and came back to forge our country in to the greatest industrial revolution in history.
These were times when gents held open doors for their ladies, took off of their hats when entering a building, asked fathers permission to court their daughters, and when please, thank you, madam, and sir were a constant stream flowing out of children’s mouths without thought.
Authority was not seen as a threat, but a community keeping us from destroying ourselves through thoughtless selfishness. As a communal body we were held in keeping each other accountable so that we were building a stronger society based on values such as honor, truth, and sacrifice.
Leadership is restoring the moral fabric that is tore even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable to do so. It is about going against the grain of idea’s that conflict with your convictions and present barren fruit. I am not stating that change is bad, but a leader must be able to discern whether change is compromising their core, or not. Preferences can be altered, but we have to hold steadfast to our uncompromising values. Do you have a core? I challenge you to look at what is at the center.
JFH
These were times when gents held open doors for their ladies, took off of their hats when entering a building, asked fathers permission to court their daughters, and when please, thank you, madam, and sir were a constant stream flowing out of children’s mouths without thought.
Authority was not seen as a threat, but a community keeping us from destroying ourselves through thoughtless selfishness. As a communal body we were held in keeping each other accountable so that we were building a stronger society based on values such as honor, truth, and sacrifice.
Leadership is restoring the moral fabric that is tore even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable to do so. It is about going against the grain of idea’s that conflict with your convictions and present barren fruit. I am not stating that change is bad, but a leader must be able to discern whether change is compromising their core, or not. Preferences can be altered, but we have to hold steadfast to our uncompromising values. Do you have a core? I challenge you to look at what is at the center.
JFH
Friday, August 21, 2009
Relationships
At some stage in most of our lives we lose focus on the authentic reason for our existence, and begin to situate our efforts in to collecting stuff, chasing the next big promotion, or lining our walls with academic or athletic accolades. The reason for our continuation, though often times clouded is to generate and foster relationships.
Great leaders understand that escorting their family or team members toward the next great summit is not about barking orders, but about getting to know their teams specific needs, strengths, and passions. After a leader authentically establishes a relationship with their team they are able to effectively utilize the team to encounter and overcome their objective.
Do you really know your team members, clients, or family members? I would encourage you to invest in people by really listening to them. Give value to relationships.
JFH
Great leaders understand that escorting their family or team members toward the next great summit is not about barking orders, but about getting to know their teams specific needs, strengths, and passions. After a leader authentically establishes a relationship with their team they are able to effectively utilize the team to encounter and overcome their objective.
Do you really know your team members, clients, or family members? I would encourage you to invest in people by really listening to them. Give value to relationships.
JFH
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
It's Not About You!
As a leader sometimes we are struck with a false reality that everything is for our glory, not for the glory of the team, or the purpose we are striving for. We tend to believe that if not for ourselves success would not be possible, but as I had earlier stated, this is untrue.
A good leader should not be caught up in the WIFM (what's in it for me), but in doing what's right, coaching up their team members, and leaving a legacy of good character. Unfortunately, in the business world this point of view is unpopular, but after your career has ended what will be said of you? Were you fair, honest, humble, or are there less desirable words to describe your character?
Take a look at yourself today! Remember that leadership is a way of life!
JFH
A good leader should not be caught up in the WIFM (what's in it for me), but in doing what's right, coaching up their team members, and leaving a legacy of good character. Unfortunately, in the business world this point of view is unpopular, but after your career has ended what will be said of you? Were you fair, honest, humble, or are there less desirable words to describe your character?
Take a look at yourself today! Remember that leadership is a way of life!
JFH
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Journey
Picture yourself climbing Mt. Everest which stands 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) above sea level. You probably have prepared for years by mapping out a course, making sure that you are physically fit, and researching weather patters to ensure that your venture is successful.
During the appropriate season you gather your team of experienced professional climbers and you attempt to make the journey. Your team consists of a group of individuals that have a variety of skill sets to optimize your chances of success. Even though you have a fantastic team, you understand that the journey will be difficult. Your team will have to endure dangerous weather conditions, and the treachery of the jagged mountain.
Leadership is not unlike preparing for this feat, and you realize that your preparation did not exempt you from the trials that you have prepared for. You begin to climb the mountain and someone gets hurt, or the weather is so bad that you have to wait it out. The mountain is the journey, and you cannot predict what is going to happen. You most certainly will make mistakes, but it is not the mistake that will cause you to fail, but it is how you deal with the mistakes.
Do you have the strength to forge on? I once heard that if the mountain was not jagged, then you could not climb it.
JFH
During the appropriate season you gather your team of experienced professional climbers and you attempt to make the journey. Your team consists of a group of individuals that have a variety of skill sets to optimize your chances of success. Even though you have a fantastic team, you understand that the journey will be difficult. Your team will have to endure dangerous weather conditions, and the treachery of the jagged mountain.
Leadership is not unlike preparing for this feat, and you realize that your preparation did not exempt you from the trials that you have prepared for. You begin to climb the mountain and someone gets hurt, or the weather is so bad that you have to wait it out. The mountain is the journey, and you cannot predict what is going to happen. You most certainly will make mistakes, but it is not the mistake that will cause you to fail, but it is how you deal with the mistakes.
Do you have the strength to forge on? I once heard that if the mountain was not jagged, then you could not climb it.
JFH
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Power of a Hand Written Note
In an increasingly impersonal world, a leader can separate themselves by sending handwritten notes to an employee, student, family member, or even a client.
Do not substitute a handwritten note for an email, instant message, or a text message, because they do not have the same effect.
Today, send someone a handwritten note letting them know something that you have appreciated about them.
JFH
Do not substitute a handwritten note for an email, instant message, or a text message, because they do not have the same effect.
Today, send someone a handwritten note letting them know something that you have appreciated about them.
JFH
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Serving
When is the last time that you washed the proverbial feet of those you lead?
Great leaders understand that you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves, get on your knees, and begin washing. The reason that this is necessary is because leading and serving are synonymous. You have to learn how to serve, before you can gain permission to lead. Remember that leadership is not about a title, but a way of life.
How are you serving your family, friends, staff, and your community?
JFH
Great leaders understand that you have to be willing to roll up your sleeves, get on your knees, and begin washing. The reason that this is necessary is because leading and serving are synonymous. You have to learn how to serve, before you can gain permission to lead. Remember that leadership is not about a title, but a way of life.
How are you serving your family, friends, staff, and your community?
JFH
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Call to Leadership
It is undeniable that each of us have spheres of authority that we influence in our day to day lives. Our life circumstances, occupation, personalities, education, spiritual belief system, and convictions all play a role in how we affect others for the betterment of society.
It is our duty to begin the leadership process not on those that we manage or influence, but on ourselves and our families first. A true leader is not someone that has it simply stamped on their business card, but someone who takes time to self-assess, adjust, learn, fail, relearn, and apply the principles that they have learned for the development of others. We are commissioned to make the world a better place one life at a time, beginning with ourselves, expanding to our families, our communities and beyond.
The first step in leadership is realizing the significance in praising others. Take time today to tell your spouse, children, or friends how much you are proud of them.
JFH
It is our duty to begin the leadership process not on those that we manage or influence, but on ourselves and our families first. A true leader is not someone that has it simply stamped on their business card, but someone who takes time to self-assess, adjust, learn, fail, relearn, and apply the principles that they have learned for the development of others. We are commissioned to make the world a better place one life at a time, beginning with ourselves, expanding to our families, our communities and beyond.
The first step in leadership is realizing the significance in praising others. Take time today to tell your spouse, children, or friends how much you are proud of them.
JFH
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