AN INSPIRING, UNTRADITIONAL LEADER
Is there someone in your life that you would describe as a leader, but doesn't have a traditional leadership title?
My father is such a leader. He did not hold a traditional leadership title, and yet he exhibited powerful and inspiring leadership qualities throughout his life.
My father lost both of his parents when he was 16 years old. His mother on her death bed asked him to finish raising his two younger siblings, which he did.
My grandfather, my father's father, used to refer to him as the 'slow one'. Not because he didn't love him, but because it was the only way he knew to encourage him towards a vision more aligned with what he thought was best. While my grandfather's intentions might not have been evil, the result was that my father grew up thinking he was less than.
At sixteen, he was left an orphan with two younger siblings to raise and a strong belief that he wasn't capable of much.
When he enrolled in educational classes in the army to pass the time, he never thought he would learn so much. To his surprise, he did well without much effort and so decided to see what might be possible with a little bit of dedication and focus.
This was a turning point in his life.
He did exceptionally well and his old beliefs started to dissolve. He started to develop a new belief, one that said you can accomplish whatever you want with dedication, creativity and focus.
During my father's early years, he describes himself as angry. He was angry that the god he knew would be capable of taking a mother away from her young children. He was angry that he had to find his way in the world without the love and support of his parents.
His heart was closed, angry and dark, but it didn't stay this way.
Step by step, he learned to open his heart again. He read incessantly. He learned about new ways to perceive the world. He developed new mindsets and beliefs. He defined who he wanted to be and how he wanted to show up - and then, day by day, he took the tiniest of steps towards that vision. He taught himself French, English and German. He learned about different religions and spirituality. Everywhere he went he made friends, he helped others (especially if they too were orphans), he grew, he learned and he taught.
Today when someone meets my dad, they typically tell me how wonderful his energy is - warm, light and supportive. They feel happy and calm in his presence. They feel accepted for who they are. I agree, because that's how I felt growing up. My dad has a beautiful ability to both accept you for who you are and inspire you to continue to grow. I'm proud that I get to call him my dad.
I often also think and reflect on the fact that he wasn't always this way. He grew into this man from a place of anger and darkness. He was able to let go of the old and create something new. He was able to connect to who he truly is.
My father is a testament to what is possible. he transformed his belief system about himself and the world. He intentionally defined who he wanted to be and then lived into that vision day after day. He dedicated himself to learning and growing as a person. At 84, he's still learning, growing and teaching. He's not perfect, but goodness HE IS AMAZING!
I love you dad.
Who's someone in your life that, despite not having huge professional accomplishment or leadership roles, have demonstrated what true leadership looks like?
Warmly,
Lisa
Lisa is an Executive Coach, Founder & CEO of LDR Leadership Labs. For more from Lisa, join the LDR Leadership Community on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/ldrleadershiplabs and sign up for the LDR Insiders Newsletter here.