Celebration
of Leadership!
By
Allen Merritt ©2018
I spotted the back of a tee shirt a gentleman was
wearing this morning which read, “The Celebration of Leadership.” As I
contemplate more and better ways to express positive examples toward living,
loving and learning, I thought this was a nice topic to approach.
Now, this is as good a week as any for me to consider it as I
witness folks setting examples, helping and teaching children many lessons
while having fun and celebrating during vacation bible school. There is a lot
of energy, enthusiasm, encouragement and positivity.
Strong, honest, good, encouraging and positive
leadership is a vision to behold. It is something many ought to strive for if
for no other reason than others are watching and waiting. They need model
examples of how to improve, achieve and accomplish happier circumstances for
which to live by. Some are self initiating, others need help.
Why do I say that? The reason is because it is
evident from taking in the overwhelming amounts of information thrown at us
each day that people are hurting. They give up and end their own lives. Others
act out their pain in such a fashion as to hurt others. Some of those
individuals are overcoming and winning their battles while others are not. And
when we are not getting past our trials, healing becomes our prime focus. We
aim to get over “it”.
My thought on this is what if we were to focus on
healing first? Sort of a heal as you go and already be somewhat ready to win. How
can we do that? We prepare. We train our minds and spirits by filling and
surrounding ourselves with all that is good.
Of course,
there are many ways to believe and achieve, but it occurs to me for many people
it begins or began with those that set the example, provide leadership and
guidance. Beyond our parents, teachers and fellowship circles/communities who
are our true leaders? Maybe it is the one(s) that help us and others to grow
and blossom into everything we can be.
Leaders are not necessarily the ones who hold
leadership positions or are the authoritarians as evidenced by today’s
political circumstances. I would dare say many do not see good leadership in
those arenas. Angry and reactionary words spewing forth in tweets, texts,
emails, media interviews and for which are blasted all over the papers do not
reflect a positive approach to solving anything or moving forward in any way. This
approach is destructive and damaging. How can anyone celebrate this kind of
leadership?
When I think of strong leadership skills worthy of
celebrating, I think of the following assets.
Encouragement
Nurturing
approach
Listening
Kindness
Sense
of care
Appreciation
Gentility
Willingness
to give
Trustworthiness
Respectfulness
Empathy
This list can go on with many more positive
attributes, but these certainly point us in the better direction.
There are many articles and publications available
to provide information on what it means and how to become an effective leader
(see links below), but the purpose I propose today is more about the importance
of positive attributes in leadership of any kind.
Personally, I believe positivity is the best
approach to helping ourselves and others.
Interestingly, many of the positive
qualities I speak of happen to be the same ones depicted in effective
leadership. Everyone wants to feel good and on the right track, don’t they?
So as we think about the leaders in our lives and
the leadership attributes we put forth, can we also consider how the impact and
effect of those attributes land on ourselves and others and make alterations
toward improvements as needed? Can we be conscientious toward how other people
feel and what their needs are and not be entirely centered on self?
Moreover, let’s find reasons to put forth the best
in positive qualities toward better outcomes. Therein we’ll find a reason to
celebrate all our lives more abundantly.
Have a great week celebrating every aspect of who
you are!
Cheers!
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