When you look at me, what do you see?
This is the unspoken question asked by many. And the answer received is not always favourable. As far as life goes, few questions could be more important than: Who Am I? or What am I? These are the basic questions of our life that make us pause and take another hard look at ourselves. It doesn’t really matter what our background might be. The same nagging questions unite us, whether we are in business, are community workers, budding entrepreneurs, or are generally involved in leadership.
How we answer these basic questions will vary from person to person. The key in any response though is to see the self as valuable. When I look at me, what I see should be something that I value. If contemplation of Self leaves me fearful, uncertain, or simply unfulfilled, then something is clearly wrong. We dare not admit it, but for most people, these are precisely the sorts of reactions we get when we start thinking about who we are. We basically don’t see a lot of value in the person reflected in the mirror. This is where taking leadership of our lives becomes so vitally important.
True leadership pushes us in the direction of an inside-out approach to sorting through the puzzle of our lives. By learning to respect and value ourselves as beings, we begin to cultivate strengths and skills that will contribute to our own slow transformation. And the transformation we release in ourselves, we are able to communicate to others. Respecting and valuing ourselves, increases the possibility of our respecting and valuing others. Over time we begin to build up networks of trust and respect that rely on groups of transformed individuals coming together in energized relationships. All of a sudden When I look at me, I smile. Something hopeful has happened. I have taken leadership control of my life. What occurs for me; I openly share with you.
Leadership is about representation, representation of self and others. As individuals we are conditioned to see the world through our own narrow vision. This often masks the significance of others and can be detrimental to the actions we take or the decisions we make on behalf of others. Learning to represent others accurately and fairly deepens our understanding of life and our role in it. By valuing and respecting the tremendous differences that are a natural part of the cultural landscape, we exchange our narrow vision of the world for a much broader one. For the first time perhaps we come to appreciate the real meaning of diversity and celebrate the richness it brings to life.
In all this, we embrace the importance of looking beyond self. Transformational leaders are always other-directed. Their fulfilment is found in enabling others to be all that they can be. The transformational mandate is based on a mutual exchange, a respect for the needs of the other.
Understanding is everything. What does the other aspire to be? What tools or skills does the other need to take full advantage of available opportunities? What social, cultural, economic and emotional steps are involved? The ordinary man or woman will look at a leader and feel at ease, because their deepest needs are being met. The clear message exchanged between the leader and follower is simple. It says, ‘I value and respect you’ or ‘ I see the uniqueness in you’. There’s nothing pre-scripted or “standardized” in this message. It is a personalized expression of the relationship that can be read through the eyes and felt in the warmth generated by a reassuring smile.
In the 21st century we can no longer afford to separate leadership from other important sectors of life, including diversity. The two are intimately connected. The key ingredient is ‘people’.
Unless we appreciate the differences that make us unique we cannot lead..
In managing diversity and leading change, we must develop the necessary qualities that allow us to move from ordinary to extraordinary leaders. This process begins with the development of confidence, self-belief and a passion for people. The leader’s heart is located in the community.
This is what they understand when they hear the word ‘serve.’ Leadership, community, and people are all linked to things like commitment, integrity, and vision that ultimately creates a living legacy of hope.
The Power of Change conference connects the core life themes of leadership, culture, diversity and community development.
To book your place please vist our web site @http://www.lamajo.co.uk
In a 21st century multicultural Britain, the hard truth is that many individuals and organizations do not maximise the wealth and assets at their disposal. What is not developed will likely be lost. This is something we cannot allow to happen. The forces of globalisation that today may seem distant from the work of our local communities or families are nevertheless at work. Important changes are taking place now that could alter forever the way we live and force us to rethink our former definitions of self. Are we prepared? What can we do?
The Power of Change forces us to confront the hard questions and come up with practical solutions. How do we increase work performance and customer service? How do we empower individuals and organisation in an age where creativity and flexibility appear to be in short supply?
The Power of Change conference will inspire individuals, businesses, organizations and anyone hoping to build a new tomorrow in their communities. This action packed event will enable you to have ‘FUN’ whilst giving you an opportunity to put your networking skills into action.
The Power of Change conference promises to be an awesome day with great minds and thinkers, problem solvers coming together to lay a solid foundation and set a positive course of change in the 21st century.
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