Leadership: Paying Attention To Your Own Leadership
| posted by Donna KarlinYears ago I used to butt heads, create and collaborate with the grandfather of coaching, Thomas Leonard. To say he was a leader in our field is an understatement and even though he died way too young, his legacy will remain for many years to come. Those who worked with him mourned his passing and felt the hole he left in our profession. He was a creative genius, not only in his conceptual thinking but how he engaged and inspired everyone around him to do their best and think well beyond any box that was ever drawn or defined.
Sometimes in our lives we are lucky enough to work with someone who is on the cutting edge of a field of expertise, an industry or profession. These leaders have loyal disciples who are more than side kicks; these people are creative and innovative professionals in their own right. Lets face it…the Thomas’s of this world wouldn’t work with those who wouldn’t pull their weight. And now, years later, I’m watching the divide. One group still mourns him and are in the exact same places as they were when he was around. Others have decided that maybe it was time they made their own mark and didn’t keep trying to hold onto someone else’s coat tails. These are the emerging leaders in our field. It’s not that they weren’t great Coaches before; it’s that they were so hell bent on being a part of Thomas’ genius, they lost their identities in a way. Now that they’ve let go of the need to be a part of someone else’s success, their true selves and leadership style is coming to the fore. And they’re starting to pay attention
When we’re fortunate to work with a pioneer we also have to remember we have a great deal to give the world in our own rights. My question to you is, what are you doing that others think amazing, no matter how blatant or subtle, that you’re not paying attention to? And if you started taking notice, how much of an impact could you make on others and the world in your own way? I believe we all have strong leadership within us in some way shape or form. It’s a matter of acknowledging it and giving ourselves credit where credit is due.
My intention for this year is to learn something new from everyone I meet, as through their eyes I see the world anew. I want to always be a student even though I might be considered an expert in my field.
For the new year I will leave you with one of my quotes which I think is very relevant to this…”How we dream is what gives our lives value. How we choose to live is what determines whether or dreams have value. I believe we each carry a dream of a life we were born to realize which shows up through desire. And I believe that we all have the ability to realize our personal and professional dreams and potential if we commit ourselves to not settling for anything less than what we really want. It is when we move toward our passions that we experience our own greatness and it is then an incredible contribution to ourselves and to the world is made by being who we truly are."
May 2008 be the beginning of the realization of your greatest dreams.
Donna Karlin • Executive and Political Shadow Coach™ • Ottawa, Canada • •www.abetterperspective.com
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Recent Comments | 4 Total
January 2, 2008 at 9:13am
Paul S MarkleIt sounds like you are describing synergy-a dynamic journey we expeience with another person or persons. When the person with energy who initiated the synergy :-) is no longer part of the experience, others left behind often feel deflated and discouraged. I think the key is to capture the vision of the visionary and "synergize" it in a new direction.
Many years ago I started a ministry in my church where we went out to the housing authority with a portable stage and played live music, cooked hot dogs and hamburgers, and built community with a group of people often overlooked in our society. A gentleman who helped us many times took a position a few years later as the leader of a church in Costa Rica. He told me that he would never have pursued that had it not been for my vision of reaching out to people the rest of the world tends to forget about.
One of my goals this year is to increase my circle of influence by approaching each person I encounter with the attitude of a servant, or to ask myself, "if this person were my customer how could I benefit them." The book "Learned Optimism" by Martin Seligman fostered a new sense of optimism that I had been seeking, but struggling to find. Your blog as well has been inspiring and the interaction here is a blessing.
May this year surpass all your expectations!
January 2, 2008 at 11:06am
Eri SudionoHi Donna,
I agree, we have to have and to realise the target of our live. This will be very clear if we have a particular leadership style and focus.
Have a successful 2008 to you ....
BTW, I like your quote very much ... :)
January 2, 2008 at 11:39am
Donna KarlinPaul....
Thank you for sharing this and for being a part of this blog through your insights and comments.
Years ago I wrote a piece on my experience with Mindfulness. For those who won't necessarily dive in with both feet like you're doing, even something this small can make a difference. Here's a link to that piece for you to read.
Experiencing The Power of Mindfulness
Wishing you all the best for the new year and beyond and I look forward to hearing what unfolds in yours as I have a feeling it's going to blow you away!
Best, always.
Donna
January 2, 2008 at 12:07pm
Donna KarlinEri...
Thanks so much! For you as well a happy, prosperous and fulfilling year to come!
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