The Courage to be Different

 We all know that leadership takes courage. The courage to act, the courage to recognize (and admit) when you are wrong, the courage to change course when you need to, the courage to present an opinion that runs counter to popular opinion, and the courage to put others first.

In previous posts I have talked about my parents and the incredible influence they have had on my development as a leader. Truer role models of hard work, perseverance, excellence, integrity, and compassion you will not find. As parents they sought to inspire me to be the best I can be, and I in turn have tried to instil the same in my children. What I did not expect, however, was the magnitude of the influence my children (two amazing sons) would have on further moulding and honing my leadership style. I think as parents we tend to assume that in relation to our children the learnings will always be one way. I have come to appreciate the arrogance of that assumption.

Take Zachary, my eldest. A young man with a clear understanding of what he believes in, what he holds dear, an incredible moral compass, and a heart as deep as the ocean. A young man who will not fear confronting the strongest if he knows their position to be unethical. A young man who will accept the consequences of taking a stand for the truth when all of those around him lack the courage to do so. A man of his word and with the highest integrity.

Logan, my youngest, has been blessed with similar convictions. A young man who will happily carry the hardship and inconvenience that typically accompanies a service-oriented life. A young man who does not complain about hard work, and just gets it done. A young man who has overcome the struggles life has dealt him and still maintained a joyous, untroubled, and optimistic outlook on life. A man who is fiercely loyal to those he holds dear. Truly amazing and true strength.

How could you fail to be influenced by the actions of two lives of consequence so close to your own? How could they not change the way you look at life? How could they not make you a better, stronger, more compassionate leader?

I will forever be in their debt. Not only have they been the greatest gifts of my life, but they are the gift that never stops giving, continually challenging me to be a better man, a better father, a better leader, and a better servant to my community.

#leadership #development #change #community #strength