Dec 29, 2015
A personal reflection on how my leadership values are influenced by my family experience as refugees to Canada.
While I am a grandchild of refugees from the 20's, the recent Syrian Refugee Crisis inspired my curiosity about my own Canadian roots.
Leadership isn't a role or position, it is a responsibility--it is service. Service to people, first, to community (organizational maybe) and to a vision or mission.
Recently in conversation with my 86 year old mother I learned something new in the story. About how my maternal grandfather extended himself to help other refugees simply because he could and it was "the right thing to do".
While my grandfather died prematurely his generous, service minded example has impacted his children and their children. Leadership is more than a position--it is about our choices and the example we set for others.
How are you preparing your leaders to serve? What example are you setting as a leader? How do leaders in your organization serve the people, the community and the mission of the organization?
You will know the character of a person, not by their stated beliefs or values but rather by their actions when their "backs are up against a wall" or when their decision will require sacrifice. Identifying and developing character doesn't happen in a traditional classroom--it happens from the inside-out and requires us to challenge ourselves and each other about what really matters.
ImpactBank is in the business of coaching and mentoring leaders (Directors and C-Suite Executives) during their first two years in role, giving them a leg up so they, in turn, will give their organization a boost.
Thank you to the listeners for a fun first six months. Thanks again to Greg and Rob for the Kickass Koach theme music.
Next time: A reflection on the six character strengths of a leader in service.