Thought Leadership
I was asked this week whether leaders are born or if leadership is an acquired skill. My answer is “both”. Personality profiles reveal that certain characteristics typical of leaders are found in certain personality types. However, I firmly believe that most people have the ability to intentionally develop leadership abilities if they so desire.
Parenthood is the most significant leadership role one can ever take on. Unfortunately, there’s no training for the job and the state of our nation reflects that when leadership in the home is defaulted on the ripple effect to the community is profound.
In John Maxwell’s book, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, he states “everything rises and falls on leadership.” It’s clear that it’s time to develop the leader within you.
Thought leadership may seem like a nebulous concept to some, but it’s extremely practical. Thoughts birth action and actions birth results. Powerful people think powerful thoughts and shape their homes, businesses, communities and the nation.
One such person is John Spence, a fellow Floridian, author, trainer and consultant that was just voted one of the top 100 thought leaders in America by an organization called Trust Across America. John and others like him inspire me. Don’t underestimate the power of your own thoughts. You may not have the influence to change the whole world but you can certainly change your world.
I leave you with some challenging thoughts in a speech by Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg last month. This 15 minute video is extremely thought-provoking as she exhorts women, “Join in, speak up.” She states that too often women sideline themselves, downplaying their roles and ideas. She addresses a fundamental issue that affects all of us – particularly women – the balance between making a difference in the marketplace and within our own families.
There’s a leader within you – let her ROAR! (The Lion’s Guild – a Mastermind Group with Slingshot Success is launching soon. Details HERE.
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