I was watching my niece and nephew play together this weekend. They are 6 and 4 respectively. Their interaction is so beautiful. If they like something they say it, if they don’t like something they’ll say it and give you a good reason as to why! If they don’t want to do something they will tell you and if they want something they will ask, even if the chances of getting it are slim! They play little games of give and take and practice patience. The older sister encouraging, and the little brother absorbing and modeling his sister. They are little balls of pure honesty and pure delight to be around. This type of behaviour needs to be fostered and encouraged, as it is by our family, but more importantly through the school system. This behaviour forms the foundation of leaders.
The world is in desperate need for leaders. We need them, we want them. We don’t have enough of them. Why? I don’t believe leadership behaviours in our young generation are encouraged or taught effectively or often enough to create a leadership. We don’t instill enough in our young that leadership and standing for something good is acceptable, even preferable to blending in and being followers. To demonstrate good communication, study practices, contribution to others, support and friendship
I spent over 20 years in the corporate world and saw very few inspirational and effective leaders that I would want to role model. Lucky I did experience a select few but most of my inspiration was sought externally. Our organizations are filled with politics, boundaries, clicks and limited thinking. This will not foster leaders of the future.
Until we, as individuals, young and old, stand up and be leaders of self, demonstrate behaviours of true leadership and take the time to develop others, our leadership void won’t change. Contrary to perception, leadership is not hard. Yes it takes responsibility, vision, courage, curiosity, and time, but it’s not hard, people just choose not to do it.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John C Maxwell