Leadership and Personal Teen Coaching
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What Makes an Ordinary Person Extraordinary?
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.
- Mark Twain
Right now, in this moment you can only be who you are. You cannot be taller, smarter, better looking, or whatever it is you think would make you extraordinary. With regards to you becoming a leader; in this moment you can not be more charismatic, a better orator, or more intelligent. The process of personal transformation begins with self-discovery and self-awareness. Freedom is gained by knowing yourself. However, when you spend your time attempting to be someone else, you expend both time and energy in an exercise of futility.
The good news is that all you can be in this moment is you. If you do not sense the freedom in all of this then you are probably trying to answer the question, what’s wrong with me? You may not be perfect, but you are the perfect you. You are reading a book about leadership instead of watching television or surfing the net. There is nothing inherently wrong with these activities, they simply represent the norm. It’s unfortunate, but the majority of youth in this country and around the globe have been convinced that they have no voice. They’ve been led to believe that their opinions don’t count, and that they don’t matter. You’ve been told that you are the future, implying that you are not prepared or ready to cause change now. I say you are the present, shaping the future, which you are creating. The greatest trick society has played on its young people is indoctrinating them with the notion that life begins someday far in the future.
People ask me what I do to inspire young people. My initial response is, “I don’t inspire the young leaders of
Change is not a bad thing, and striving to be better is commendable. However, before you go down that path, embrace who you are in this moment. Start now by committing to give your best, “leaving everything on the playing field.” Apply these new leadership tools to your life, and share your insights with others. We live with a false notion that to inspire the masses we have to present a perfect image. We display the finished product and hide the sweat and tears that went into creating the results. Remember, the heart of this process is the journey. Waiting at the peak of every mountain is another mountain which is only visible from the preceding peak. Therefore, unabashedly share your struggles. Be straight with people. Be humble. Throughout this process keep in mind the words of Gandhi, “be the change you want to see in the world.” If you don’t begin with yourself it will be the blind leading the blind.
What makes an ordinary person extraordinary is the perseverance to overcome the obstacles that stop others. It is the will to fight for what’s right even when it is inconvenient to do so. When you act in an extraordinary manner you move forward in the face of fear. This is true courage. Hence, there is no need to eliminate the fear in your life. Instead act in spite of your fear. Mahatma Gandhi took on an empire which possessed the strongest military in the world. Martin Luther King Jr. was beaten and jailed for his beliefs. These leaders were not superheroes, but men who bled, who hurt, who were afraid. Despite these feelings and emotions nothing could stop them. I’m asking you to be unstoppable in your convictions, and unrelenting with your true objectives.
Dustin Carter, who lost all four limbs to a blood disorder, became one of the top high school wrestlers in his state. This is a young man who had the cards stacked against him, but would not be stopped. What made him a champion was not being blessed with extraordinary physical traits, but a will, desire, and work ethic driven by extraordinary discipline.
Young leaders see themselves for who they are, acknowledging their limitations, and giving their very best to the difference they want to make in the world. Remember, the world is made up of ordinary people. Very few of us can dunk a basketball from the foul line, run a four minute mile, or sing like a superstar. So what! The world is going to change on the backs of the majority uniting for the common good. Youth leadership is a power like no other. It is pure, and unstoppable. When youth come together they produce exponential results. Think of the civil rights movement or the peace movement in the 1960’s. What you see in your mind’s eye are images of young people standing for something bigger than themselves.
Leadership Actions:
Make Noise:
The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.
- Thomas Jefferson
So that we are clear: your government serves you. Your local council members and legislators serve you. Your representatives and senators serve you. The president serves you. Your job is to hold them accountable. If you give away your voice, you give away your power. If you say nothing then you are not doing your job.
The American Revolution was fought for many reasons, some more patriotic and just than others. However, I would use one word to describe the heart of the revolution: freedom. This is the foundation of the constitution. Despite its power and inspiration, it has taken us over two hundred years to fulfill on our original vision. “
You are living in a world of globalization rendering us all global citizens. The computer that you use may have been made with parts from over twenty countries. Networking websites that you traffic may include members from almost every continent.
Through technology and other advances the world has become interconnected and interdependent. In short, your actions affect others. Their actions affect you. Global warming created by one nation create environmental problems across the globe.
There is no better place to begin the mission of peace and unity than with youth. We must recognize that young people are sent off to fight our wars and defend our countries. They choose to risk their lives, and commit to keeping others safe. This commitment must be honored by never sending them in harm’s way unless absolutely necessary. A united youth will hold politicians accountable, ensuring that their peers are in good hands. If a politician has an ulterior motive, then that politician is to be voted out of office. You have a voice and if you’re eighteen you have a vote. If you are not eighteen, and can’t vote, then encourage those around you to remember the issues important to youth when they vote. It is time for older Americans to stop making decisions for younger Americans without properly consulting their demographic. It is time for you to be heard. The time is now.
I’m not suggesting that all young leaders be pacifists, but that we strive for peace. At the forefront of every young leaders mind should be the objective of achieving a peaceful universal coexistence.
Being a young man or woman of peace does not make you a wimp. Face your foes, but be guided by your values. The words written here are not meant to make you feel good. They are here to remind you of your power, to encourage you to take the path travelled by few within your age group. To encourage others to take the same path, so that your vision grows and expands.
The preamble to the constitution reads:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
“We the people” does not have to be limited to the
Leadership Action:
Make Noise:
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead
Let the change begin with you. Let the change affect your social circle, your community, your state, your country, your planet. Let it begin with you, and end with others. When you decide to practice non-violence, you naturally support others in achieving the same intention. When you decide to fight for the reduction of gang violence and the development of more effective means to resolve youth conflict, you will be creating change within others. In short, walk your talk, because the more you walk the more powerfully your words will effect change.
When you journey on the path of change expect to face many obstacles. Despite the challenges that lay at your feet, the greatest enemy may be inside you. It may be your fear, doubt, ignorance, or an obstacle which you can not see. To date, the United Nations has not been able to stop genocide in the
This achievement will create strength, and will provide the necessary fortitude you need to complete your task. Keep in mind that being righteous is different than being self-righteous. Your classmates may appear apathetic, as if they only care about texting, emailing, and watching television. You could probably create a list of reasons why they are self-centered and disinterested. If you’re judging your peers then stop, because who they are today, is who you were a brief moment ago. We all have it in us to be charitable or self-centered, the hero or the bully, creator or destroyer. We are not above or below our fellow men and women.
As you become more aware of important issues make sure that you do not lose the connection with who you once were. Acknowledging your personal demons will give you strength and will allow you to empathize with others. You are on a leader’s journey, and the early terrain requires you to know yourself, and to wear a badge of humility.
The young leader focuses on being in service, restoring balance, and leaving things in a harmonious state. As mentioned, politicians serve you and represent the will of the people. It is also your responsibility to serve, and to give back. Think about all the people in your life that have given to you. Maybe someone recommended or bought you this book, because they consider you a potential leader with the ability to create change in this world. Who are the teachers, religious leaders, or family members that have inspired you? To whom do you aspire to be like? Though you may not realize it, there are people in your life committed to service, and many people who serve you.
Finally, the young leader recognizes that to serve is an opportunity. When you help someone else it feels natural. There is nothing wrong with making a difference in the world because it bring you joy. It should create happiness in your life, because supporting and connecting to others is one of the most important actions that make people happy. If someone lets you serve them, thank them for the opportunity. Material goods provide temporary happiness. Fashion quickly becomes outdated, and electronics constantly need to be updated. If you find happiness in “stuff” your joy will always be in the future, and you will be in a state of waiting for the next best thing to arrive. Henceforth, service is better than any material good, because it is something that never disappears. It shapes who you are as a human being, and reminds you of what is most important in life.
Leadership Action:
Make Noise:
To thine own self be true.
-William Shakespeare
When you are true to yourself you honor your purpose, because your truth is your purpose and your purpose is your truth. Your purpose is not your profession or what you do, it is who you are. If you find that your life’s aim is to make a difference for children, there are obviously numerous ways to express that desire, such as being teacher, doctor, social worker, musician, et cetera… If you walk down a different path and decide to work as a computer programmer for a financial firm, you will probably feel unfulfilled. However, if you love computers, there are probably numerous ways to combine your interests and your purpose. This is important, because living life based on your truth gives you freedom. It provides focus and direction, and helps with managing life’s complexities.
You begin to discover your purpose through realizing your own limitations. This process requires a good amount of reflection; however, you will need assistance from others. Step one is to find five people that you trust and respect. Ask each person to list your leadership qualities. Also ask that they point out two to three weaknesses. Embrace the weaknesses and do not concern yourself with changing them. At least not right now. Once you gain awareness of your limits they no longer need to limit you. View them as identifiable obstacles which you can transcend.
After they provide you with the list ask them to take a moment to describe what they see as your core purpose. Remind them that this is not your career choice, but something that will guide future decisions. One caveat when you begin the round of interviews is to agree that you will not act offended by what they say. In fact, take time to appreciate them for helping you on your journey.
We have all seen the contestants on American Idol who have developed unrealistic assessments of their abilities. We’ve also seen what happens when reality smacks them over the head. So before you begin this process decide on the people in your life who love you enough to be honest with you. These are people who aren’t afraid to offend you, but who also support your growth.
Strengths and weaknesses do not make up who you are, but who you’ve become in life. They are subjective and changeable. Exploring them now provides you with two potential insights. First, since these characteristics are variable, you gain power to make adjustments as you see fit. Second, deconstructing your persona will help to lead you to your truth.
When you are complete with the interviews find some quiet time to reflect on what was said to you. Then take out a blank piece of paper and write on the very top, “What is my life’s purpose?” Next, let yourself free write. Don’t hold back. After you’ve written for a few minutes, pause, reflect, and write some more. Go through this process until you feel the idea is complete. Review your notes and try to form statements that capture your purpose. As you begin to realize your truth you will feel liberated and free. If you lived your life based on this purpose would it create the world you want to live in? Remember, change starts with you. Your purpose is the change you want to see in the world. As you fulfill on that change, life transforms.
Today’s generation has tremendous potential. Innovative technological developments have helped to foster interconnectivity at almost every level of society. That being said, you must also allow yourself to “unplug.” Hit the pause button, and set your cell phone to the side, turn your computer off, put the phone down, and walk away from the television. When I challenge my students to spend a day “unplugged,” they laugh at the perceived impossibility of the task. Extra credit only entices two or three percent.
Silence is good for the soul, and rejuvenates the mind and body. Leaders must reflect and contemplate. It is not possible to accomplish this task while texting, instant messaging, surfing the internet, and watching a television screen. Give your mind and body a break. Recharge your battery.
Leadership Actions:
Make Noise:
It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up.
- Vince Lombardi
When you make noise some may attempt to silence your passion. Don’t be afraid to be criticized and never acquiesce to the world’s cynicism. People are entitled to their viewpoints, but their words only have power if you decide they do. When you attempt to shift the status quo expect responses (both positive and negative). Learn from those who criticize you, but do not let yourself be overwhelmed if their critiques are based on resignation or cynicism.
Emotionally prepare for some negative feedback and expect to receive some harsh criticism. You will create a project for children overseas, and they’ll say that this country should focus on its own children. You will talk about poverty in Africa and be questioned about helping the poor in
As you emerge as a leader, there are those who will remind you of your faults. You will get A’s and the past F’s will be shoved in your face. In their minds, who you were yesterday is who you are today.
You will make noise, and they’ll tell you that you’re too young. For some, they will remind you that you still can’t vote. For others, they will tell you to wait until you enter the “real world.” Many see the world and focus on what’s wrong; few imagine what could be created. Many see you as you were, not as the young leader you are becoming. Despite the multitude of perceptions and opinions, there is one which trumps all, your own. There will be times when all those around you doubt you. In those moments you must stand firm in your beliefs and rise above their cynicism, resignation, or negative critiques. If you want others to believe in you, believe in yourself. Be your biggest fan.
Much of the negative feedback you receive will probably be from those to whom you are closest: teachers, friends, family members, classmates, and colleagues. However, those who oppose you are not necessarily against you. Remember, you have been you for a very long time. The world has been “the world” for a very long time. It took decades to accept that the earth was round. If you lived during that time period, challenging the notion of a flat world could mean death.
Human beings are fairly attached to their beliefs, because it is the way they understand the world. When you challenge accepted perceptions you are going against the grain. So, give those who oppose you the freedom to challenge you, and learn from their criticism. Do not let it silence you.
Gandhi was just under 5’5 and weighed a mere 100 pounds. This man stood up to the entire
Young leaders take risks and are grounded in the difference they want to see in the world. They dive into the struggle. They understand that we may have our differences, but we’re united on the core issues. They risk embarrassment and fight for the truth. Young leaders also understand that people have different truths, and it’s prudent to reserve judgment of others.
We live in a world divided by religion, language, and race. There are times when we only see those differences and ignore the fibers that connect us. The twenty first century is an age of globalization and interdependence. When we express ourselves and take a stand for humanity we are liberated from the notions of being separate and apart. We are shown the illusion of isolation. As we dig our feet into the ground and speak out the resistance begins to melt away. It may have taken centuries to abolish slavery, but today we have our first African American president. It happened because people made noise and their words overcame all obstacles. Women gained the right to vote less than one hundred years ago and the process of eliminating segregation is fairly recent in our country’s history. Furthermore, we are still in the process of becoming a nation based on freedom and equality.
Tomorrow’s solutions are at our doorstep. Sustainability, the widespread use of renewable resources, and the elimination of global poverty are within our reach. The path to global peace is being carved out of the thicket of divisiveness. Carry your pickaxe and walk down the road taken by few. United we can heal our planet and create a world that works for everyone. For all life. The change begins with you.
Leadership Action:
Make Noise:
Avoid popularity if you would have peace.
- Abraham Lincoln
People constantly confuse leadership with popularity. However, many of the world's most righteous and noble leaders spent their lives confronting massive opposition. Throughout history we've seen movements based on social justice and human rights spark violent counter movements which attempted to prevent changing the status quo. It is unlikely that your activism will be met with violence. This, however, does not mean that your obstacles won't feel daunting and difficult to overcome. Some studies have shown that people are more afraid of public speaking than death. Your greatest hurdle may in fact be speaking to your classmates, or making a presentation to a group of students. Those who are not connecting to your words may tease or attempt to embarrass you. It may even be someone close to you who has never seen you in a leadership role. At any age, public ridicule is frightening, especially adolescents. In those moments you must find the will to fight for your cause. You must place things in their proper place, both emotionally and intellectually.
Often, the struggle is between wanting to make a difference and not wanting to look like a fool. In short, we all want to look good. On the other side of looking good is a desire to avoid looking bad. Even if your focus isn't on looking good, you don't want to be embarrassed. This is one of the major predicaments of adolescence. There is a lot you want to accomplish, and there is much you have to say, yet you are afraid to say it. Take a close look and examine whether or not you are filtering your words and actions by trying to control the way you are perceived by others. Where do you hold back?
How many times have your friends or acquaintances said something inappropriate that you vehemently disagreed with, yet you said nothing, because you wanted to fit in? Have you bullied or allowed others to bully? There have probably been instances where you could have spoken up for someone and didn't. Times where you joined the crowd even though you new it was wrong. Maybe you've even led your clique in mocking others. If so, this may be a good time in your life to offer apologies to those with whom you have wronged. Don't just say sorry, but take responsibility for your actions, and share what new actions you will take in the future. The appropriate way to clean up your messes in life is as follows: I take responsibility for X, I acknowledge that my actions were inappropriate, and in the future I commit to Y. For example, I take responsibility for being dishonest, I acknowledge that a relationship must be based on honesty, moving forward you can count on me to be truthful. Admitting your mistakes may affect the image you’re trying to portray, but over time people will trust you and appreciate you letting down your mask.
Being a leader means that you are someone who has the courage to express yourself freely. It means that you fight for truth and justice and you're not stopped by fear. It also means that you are not perfect and you make mistakes, but when you do make messes you clean them up and move forward.
The young leader does not strive to achieve popularity, but may in fact become very popular. Popularity is not an end goal. It is better for the causes and issues to emerge to the forefront. It is better to inspire new leaders to fight for those issues. It is more productive for those joining the cause to think that success rests on their participation, rather than yours. This is the process of true leadership.
Finally, free yourself from the goal of trying to please everyone. Be happy with your actions and your words. Inspire few, who may inspire many. Be the change you wish to see. Make sure that you are walking your talk, and not trying to get everyone to walk just like you. As you share yourself and create awareness many will join you. Some may support your goals and others may find the strength in themselves to create their own projects and express their own ideas and passions. This should be your objective. Every young person has a voice, but most are too afraid to use it. Most don't want to "make noise," because when you make noise you can't hide. So, do your best to be understanding while dealing with others, and be bold in expressing yourself.
Leadership Action:
Make Noise:
Civilization will not last, freedom will not survive, peace will not be kept, unless a very large majority of mankind unite together to defend them…
-Winston Churchill
You live in a country that affords you the freedom to question and criticize. We have a government that has been built on the backs of those who have struggled to shape and fulfill on the vision of freedom. We, the people, have the right to protest and oppose any law or practice we find objectionable. It is a constitutional, documented right. The debate over youth leadership is one of a philosophical or psychological nature. Adults question the age appropriateness of youth activism and civic engagement. Some question the maturity or readiness for political life. Some even fear the youth, and feel that their involvement in the political process could shift power in an unfavorable way. This book is about you overcoming the intangible barriers and societal myths about young people. Inherit in this process is the understanding that living in a democracy provides for numerous liberties. These liberties will allow you to make your mark and develop into a fully realized leader.
All youth have an inner power and a voice which has the right to be expressed. However, not all countries allow the expression of this natural right. Many countries oppress disagreeable political ideologies with military and local police action. Imagine being thrown in jail for your opinions. In some parts of the world religious extremists dominate local policy, and control the educational process. These same groups threaten teachers who are too secular and demand pedagogy based on their understanding of religious doctrine. Furthermore, some of these radical groups prevent young girls from attending school, and threaten them with physical violence, including death. In other parts of the world governments monitor communication, banning websites and restricting internet chatter critical of their policies. With technology interconnecting the globe, the internet is emerging as the most viable from of expression. Think about all the people who don’t have that right.
Political oppression is only one obstacle to expressing yourself. Some nations have insurmountable economic challenges, with large numbers in poverty and distress. There are millions of children who go to bed hungry each night. There are multitudes of towns across the globe without clean water and proper sanitation. There are millions with inadequate health care and nutrition. There are those who can only afford to think about surviving the day, and striving to make it to tomorrow.
I am asking you to speak for those who have no voice. For children living in war torn countries. For the youth pushed into being child soldiers. For those starving without access to food or clean drinking water. For those being persecuted and abused.
Remember, in most western countries hard work results in some form of monetary compensation. Poverty in the third world is quite different. Imagine living in a region with no available employment, scarce amounts of food, and an absence of clean drinking water. Imagine a life with no feasible solutions to your circumstances. These are the current living conditions for millions of people.
A young leader does his or her part in creating awareness. First, find the issues that need a voice. Second, search for ways to support the solutions. The key actions you will always be able to take are to sign and email petitions to others, forward important current events to everyone in your network, and donate/fundraise. These are all relatively simple actions. At a more challenging level you have the ability to organize and rally. It may be time to have a million young people march to
Leadership Action:
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In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
There are two elementary economics’ terms relevant to this chapter, opportunity cost and trade-off. Both will help you better understand your process of decision making. An opportunity cost is the next-best choice you forego when making a decision. A trade-off is an alternative we sacrifice when we make a decision. A trade-off covers everything we’ve foregone, as opposed to opportunity costs which highlights the most desirable. In the corporate world, executives do not recommend a plan of action without considering the potential risks and rewards. For instance, if a company invests one million dollars in new technology, the opportunity cost may be one hundred new employees. Trade-offs could include, keeping the money in an interest bearing account, buying new equipment, purchasing advertising, et cetera. A successful organization must be aware of the effects of every resolution, interpretation, and conclusion. Furthermore, profitable companies take into account short-term and long-term risks scenarios. Finally, successful corporations accept responsibility for their results, and make necessary adjustments and modifications.
You, like the common business, have decisions to make which affect your success. Every choice that you make has an opportunity cost. These choices also carry numerous trade-offs. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the recent financial meltdown. While listening daily to the major political and economic analysts discussing the reasons for the crisis, two words emerged above all others, responsibility and accountability. Before we point too many fingers we must admit that some level of irresponsibility occurred on both “Wall Street” and “
If you want your life to work you must begin by taking responsibility for your choices. To do this, you must first acknowledge that every action you take is based on a personal choice. (The emphasis here is on the word you.) Sometimes we think that we can control another person’s actions, we can’t. We can influence and inspire others, but ultimately they get to choose. You will rarely find yourself in a compromised situation where choice is absent. Henceforth, let’s move past coming up with these types of examples. Simply put, 99% of your actions are based on choice. It is true that some people are dealt unfortunate circumstances. Maybe they have to choose between food and shelter. Maybe they have to risk their lives in order to fight for freedom. You too, probably have decisions to make which are difficult. When you make them you’ll have to deal with the consequences. So, we begin with choice, because choice equals freedom. If you live your life aware of your choices, you will be free. When you choose, you give up feeling like a victim. Henceforth, you don’t have to be victimized by difficult circumstances. It isn’t easy, but we each have it in us to rise above our circumstances. In the midst of any crisis is an opportunity to find faith and discover your true strength.
Once you accept your ability to choose, you will start to wonder why you are choosing actions which yield undesirable results. For instance, you may be the type of person that chooses to do everything at the last minute. Why would someone choose procrastination? This is where each of us finds the trade-off, because human beings usually make decisions that provide some benefit. What were you doing while you were avoiding your task? Were you watching television, texting, emailing, spending time with friends? I’m sure that whatever you were doing, in the moment it seemed more desirable than completing the task. Hence, behind every action, both beneficial and detrimental, is choice.
As you develop your leadership, begin to strengthen your self-awareness. Own your decisions, they are yours to own. Take responsibility for the consequences, you made them happen. Also take credit for the successes, and remember your accomplishments. Finally, do not let anything you have no control over have control over you.
Leadership Action:
Make Noise:
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There have been a multitude of leaders throughout history who have made noise, any one of whom warrant their own book. Henceforth, this section will provide you with a snapshot by capturing some of their most famous words. This is not a list of the top leaders, thus many great leaders will be left out. I encourage you to research some of these leaders and think about how their words can help to shape your growth and advancement. Remember, you are also a leader, and you’re in the process of developing and honing your skills.
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Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the
- When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, one hundred.
- Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.
- I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president. He helped to abolish slavery and keep the country united.
- Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. . . . We here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
- I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.
- Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
Susan B. Anthony played a crucial role in the women’s movement at the turn of the twentieth century, as a civil rights activist and leader. Her efforts eventually led to women gaining the right to vote.
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Henry Ford was the founder of the Ford Motor Company and was the first to utilize the efficiency and productivity of the assembly line.
- Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.
- Whether you think you can or think you can't -- you are right.
Jane Addams was a pioneer of the U.S. Settlement House movement, and one of the first American women to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Civilization is a method of living and an attitude of equal respect for all people.
Winston Churchill was the British Prime Minister who bravely led
- The price of greatness is responsibility.
- An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the
- Friendship with one's self is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.
- You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
John F. Kennedy was the 35th president. He inspired a nation with his vision of what
- And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a minister and a civil rights activist. In 1964 he became the youngest person in history to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'
- Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Mother Teresa was the founder of the Missionaries of Charity in
- If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.
- Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.
Maya Angelou is a poet and civil rights activist.
- If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning "Good morning" at total strangers.
Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa from 1994–1999. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, for his efforts to reconcile and heal his country after years of apartheid.
- After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
Leadership Action:
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Service is an Opportunity and a Choice
Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger, and will make, not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Let’s begin with Gandhi’s quote and consider the places in your life where you are already in service. Think of extracurricular activities, sports teams, or responsibilities at home. You probably do a lot more than you think. It is important to consider the actions you already take which make a difference. I encourage you to build and expand upon this foundation.
Like many of the inquiries in this process you begin by discovering the strength that you already possess. We often look outside of ourselves to attain that which we feel we lack. We usually invest our time into what we perceive is missing in our lives. Then we expend energy trying to change ourselves to become the person we think would make us happy. The starting line is the foundation you have already built. It may be small, but whatever you have been doing counts.
Once you’ve pinpointed these areas think about ways in which you could expand upon that level of service. Search through the major areas of your life and imagine what that might look like. Let’s say all you do at home is clean your room. Maybe you could devote some time each week to cleaning other rooms in the house. This is your way of saying I live with others who I appreciate, and I’m thankful for this shelter. If you are involved in an extracurricular activity, think about the people who may need support. If it is in an academic domain you could provide tutoring or help to create a study group. Think about ways in which you could partner with people. If it’s in the area of sports, there are sure to be ways in which you could step up your leadership and encourage your teammates. You will figure out the specifics if your heart is in the right place. Actions are important, but they only make up a portion of this process. Becoming more involved will help you expand upon your leadership abilities, and will probably provide an immediate feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment. However, there is a foundation on which these actions must be based.
Being in service begins with your overall attitude. It means that you first focus on the “being” and then on the actions you will take. For example, when you decide to help with house chores do you put on some music, smile, and have fun or are you resentful and disgruntled? I’m not suggesting that you have to be jovial every time you volunteer; however, you get to choose your attitude. Think for a moment of successful competitors, imagine the intense look on their faces, the attitude they bring to the game. All athletes have off nights, but the great ones still give one hundred percent. So can you, by not focusing on the outcome, but on how you play the game.
When you give your all to the small things they will exponentially grow. It may begin at home, travel with you to school, expand to your community, inspire your state, country, the world… So start small, and build on what you develop. There is a Zen saying “chop wood, carry water.” I won’t attempt to define it, because Zen proverbs are meant to be meditated on and considered by the individual. However, one common interpretation is to focus on what you are doing in the moment. To be mindful and present right now, and now, and now.... If you are wiping the dining-room table feel the cloth in your hand and focus on the circular movements. If you are tutoring a classmate be aware of the other person and try to understand how they are processing the information. In short be focused and present in the moment.
The young leader is vigorous, animated, and full of life. He or she embraces the attitude and being of someone in service. Pace yourself and approach this process one step at a time. Even the first step has brought you farther than you may realize. Continue on the path.
Leadership Action:
Make Noise:
The leaders who work most effectively, it seems to me, never say 'I'. And that's not because they have trained themselves not to say 'I'. They don't think 'I'. They think 'we'; they think 'team'. They understand their job to be to make the team function. They accept responsibility and don't sidestep it, but 'we' gets the credit.... This is what creates trust, what enables you to get the task done.
- Peter F. Drucker
Here is something to ponder, if you don’t have anyone to lead are you really a leader? It is surprisingly common that those who make a difference in this world feel independent and alone. They form relationships with others without developing strong connections. You may be or may soon become a lonely activist. The insoluble problems in this world are daunting. When a sensitive and vulnerable young activist looks into the abyss of the planet’s issues, he or she can get lost in its empty cavern. It takes courage and determination to overcome this helplessness and to stay in action. This is either who you are now or the person you will become on this journey. You volunteer, you help others, and you look forward to the future you are shaping. Your actions make up some of the most important steps an aspiring leader can take. However, there is a pitfall. The trap is to act and believe that you are alone.
When you overextend yourself, and you will overextend, your vitality begins to dissipate. As your energy declines, you may start to resent the community service you are performing. Your body will want you to slow down, and your mind will quickly follow in step. If you begin to have this experience it is because you’ve become too independent. You are a player without a team. Yes you have the skills, and yes you touch people’s lives, but you need a support system.
I’m not suggesting you build a sports-like team with a name and uniform. I am strongly recommending that you create a support structure. Begin by asking the people closest to you to take part in your volunteer efforts. During the week you could invite friends, and on the weekends include family members. How you incorporate the people you love into the activities you support is up to you, but make sure that you do.
Another action you can take is to expand your base of friends. There are probably students, groups, clubs, and organizations you never thought to join. Connect with new people and share in your common interests.
Befriending new people is challenging. You will need to trust and be open with someone new. However, the path to trusting others is to begin by trusting yourself. I would recommend making a list of the ten qualities you desire in a friend. This will help keep you honest when choosing to include new people in your life. I would apply this set of criteria to all the people in your social circle, not including family members. You can not choose to have a different mother. Your mother will always be your mother, and your brother will always be your brother.
Make decisions based on your principles. Do not befriend someone simply because they are popular. At times we make relationship decisions based on what we see on the surface. However, this is probably the least relevant criterion. Think about it. What does it mean that a person is good-looking, popular, or strong? Who cares? The media, MTV, fashion magazines. Beauty fades. The strong get weak. The popular eventually become irrelevant. However, if you develop your heart, and surround yourself with kind and passionate people that want to make a difference in the world you will build a strong team on a solid foundation. This strength will not fade. On the contrary, a team built on truth will grow and develop exponentially.
Leadership Action:
Make Noise:
If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins to them.
- Francis Bacon, Sr.
For the last two thousand years the world has been in the process of becoming interconnected. Throughout this process new technology has increased the expediency of travel and trade. As different groups of people increased their interactions with one another, cultural, social, and political ideas were exchanged. Hence, every century since the beginning of this process has demonstrated a higher level of global awareness.
Globalization 2.0 as it is sometimes considered developed in the early 1990’s. The development of the World Wide Web, the innovation of new software, and the growth of email began to connect the world at a rapid pace. By the end of the 1990’s, companies were outsourcing customer service industry jobs overseas. This added to the process that was already in motion from much of the manufacturing sector earlier in the decade.
The other major event (as it pertains to you) that probably occurred in this decade, is your birth. The world that you entered would have been unrecognizable to people living just a couple of decades earlier. The efficiency and speed of communication and human interaction is unprecedented. You can pick up the phone in
This is a very brief description of globalization, but if you are interested in continuing your reading on the topic I suggest The World is Flat, by Thomas Freidman. This is a must read for every young leader.
Let’s take a look at what it means to live as a citizen of the world. Stop for a moment and take a look at the tags on your clothes. Recently, I asked a group of students to do this, and many were surprised by their findings. At first they assumed that everything would show “made in
Remember, what you do is different than the way you do it. You don’t have to be guided by your whims. Let your principles direct your actions. Let your morals and ethics determine your life. In order to live the life of a global citizen you need to develop your awareness and understanding of the world at large. You must be open to other views and opinions.
I am the founder and Executive Director of an organization appropriately named the Youth Cabinet of America. Our vision is for youth to unite, creating awareness, leadership, and peace. The Youth Cabinet’s website www.youthcabinet.org has members from almost every continent. Furthermore, the website’s forum allows young leaders from across the globe to have input in discussions which lead to the creation of the yearly youth agenda. This agenda is sent to every politician in the country, with hopes that it will help influence and shape public policy. What’s extraordinary about this discourse is that a teenager in
Leadership Action:
Make Noise: