I just passed my third anniversary of working in a new job. In this job, I provide capacity building workshops and resources for nonprofit staff and volunteers in our area. Our focus is leader development, and in my study and practice, I’ve learned several things, but one stands above them all.
Leaders put themselves out there.
This is not to say that they are always up front or in the spotlight. Rather, it means that leaders put their ideas forward, enter the conversation, and take a stand. In short, leaders risk being vulnerable.
When we read the word, “vulnerable,” often our first thought is “vulnerable to being judged” or “vulnerable to attack.” Vulnerable also means open or exposed. Or, to put it in the popular language of leadership today, it means being transparent.
Followers need to know where leaders stand. If leaders have an opinion, they offer it. If they need to have a conversation, they have it. And, if they need to apologize, they do it.
Putting yourself out there may take many forms. When done in humility and in service of a greater goal, it elicits inspiration more than judgment.
And, according to Kelsey Ramsden (article below), the only person standing in your way is you.
Quote
It is very easy to forgive others their mistakes; it takes more grit and gumption to forgive them for having witnessed your own. Jessamyn West
Web
Here’s Kelsey Ramsden’s brief story on taking a risk that garnered more support than judgment and inspired others to do the same (read now)
This is not to say that they are always up front or in the spotlight. Rather, it means that leaders put their ideas forward, enter the conversation, and take a stand. In short, leaders risk being vulnerable.
When we read the word, “vulnerable,” often our first thought is “vulnerable to being judged” or “vulnerable to attack.” Vulnerable also means open or exposed. Or, to put it in the popular language of leadership today, it means being transparent.
Followers need to know where leaders stand. If leaders have an opinion, they offer it. If they need to have a conversation, they have it. And, if they need to apologize, they do it.
Putting yourself out there may take many forms. When done in humility and in service of a greater goal, it elicits inspiration more than judgment.
And, according to Kelsey Ramsden (article below), the only person standing in your way is you.
Quote
It is very easy to forgive others their mistakes; it takes more grit and gumption to forgive them for having witnessed your own. Jessamyn West
Web
Here’s Kelsey Ramsden’s brief story on taking a risk that garnered more support than judgment and inspired others to do the same (read now)
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