“Some people strengthen our society just by being the kind of people they are.” John W. Gardner
Perhaps the most challenging exercise of authentic leadership is the coming home to self. To remember that embracing yourself, having confidence in your way of learning, and being are enough. When a leader is in the strength of who they are and are true to their nature they thrive and are able to make significant impacts with their work just by being themselves.
The only thing that gets in the way of all of this is ego. The ability to be self aware and self manage allows leaders to constantly stretch, grow and adapt.
“The Tao Te Ching says,
When I let go of what I am,
I become what I might be.
When I let go of what I have,
I receive what I need.
Have you ever struggled to find work or love,
only to find them after you have given up?
This is the paradox of letting go.
Let go, in order to achieve. ” – M. M. Morrissey
Each day leaders have the ability to impact others in a way which they feel energized and forward focused by just being comfortable in their nature. Equally true they have a deep trust of others to step into the vision and co create to achieve the outcomes.
The ability to be a leader of impact is a practice of:
Noticing and questioning your responses to see if they feel true to you or “trained”
Ability to release past perspectives and stories to grow and learn new ways
Having the commitment to explore new possibilities
Making choices to do things differently so they serve our nature better and brings more of ourselves out into the world
Learn our internal values and core to maintain alignment as we move into new and different situations
The courage to remain open and vulnerable in all situations to have the clearest link to our own next right answer
To be a leader of impact is the most courageous step any one can take to live in truth and to speak with clarity, honesty and intention. These are leaders who make the ride so much more vibrant, engaging, provocative and incredible. People achieve the uncommon when they are around impact leaders.
” We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
