Your Leadership Link by Cullen S. Gibson, Vice President
Empowerment
I recently sent a personal note to a leadership friend asking the person to define their purpose as a leader. I received many though-provoking responses on their leadership purpose.
I would like to highlight one purpose: Empowerment. This leader wrote, “My purpose is to help others recognize the power of their own mind and to not allow themselves to be a barrier to their own success and happiness.” The leader went on to describe the mind as a powerful tool that can achieve anything or potentially destroy everything.
Our minds are flooded every day with stuff. We make conscious and voluntary decisions to read, to watch TV, and participate on social media. All these things that feed our minds may cause anxiety, sadness, and a feeling of loss and “I’m just not good enough.” Recent events in our world can cause extreme fear and doubt. Things seem polarized. In our world today, there are many individuals and groups of people who are and feel “empowered.”
When I think of empowerment, I think of leaders giving it away. That is, a great leader is “willing to develop people to the point that they eventually surpass him or her in knowledge and ability.” (Manske). With that said, take the time this week to practice SPRJ: Spread Purpose, Resilience, Joy.
These intentions will pave the way for empowering others.
Underwhelm with your words, overwhelm with your actions.
Have a great week!
