Week 115

Positive post Sunday, April 28, 2019- Week 115.

  Many of my friends and colleagues have heard me say, when you stop learning, you might as well stop living.  I live a life of curiosity and find it inspiring and motivating to learn and share something new every day.  I intend to continue my journey of being a lifelong learner until the day the good Lord brings me home and I’m thankful for the many teachers and leaders in my life who have and continue to inspire me.

Yes, we can ask Siri or Alexa or go online and Google just about anything these days, but I believe teachers and mentors are still critical and foundational sources for deep and personalized learning.  As I reflect on my life, I realize how blessed I have been to have had some terrific teachers and mentors in both my personal and professional life.  In fact, I’ve found that the best leaders I know and have had the privilege to work with are also the best teachers (whether they know they are teaching or not).  I have also observed that not all people in leadership positions are good teachers.  Perhaps if they were better teachers they would be stronger leaders.  After all, isn’t one of the most important attributes of a leader the ability to inspire others to achieve what they felt to be unachievable, and in the process creating future leaders.

One of my passions is reading, and when researching the subject of leaders as teachers I came across an article in LinkedIn titled, “Why the Best Leaders are Teachers and How to Become One”, from John Eades, CEO of LearnLoft.  I encourage you to read the article which I found to be very insightful.  John notes that when you share your passion, competence, and experience with others, you make an impact that lasts a lifetime.  This is consistent with one of the many quotes from one on my all-time favorite leaders and teachers who unquestionably had an impact on the lives of so many, both on and off the court, John Wooden.  Coach Wooden said, “The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example”.  I respectfully ask, what are you doing to make your personal example a powerful leadership tool that inspires others?

Do you remember a teacher and/or leader who had a lasting impact on your life?  Share your story and what made this person so special, and most importantly, let that teacher/leader know how thankful you are for the positive influence they have had on your life.  And, If they are no longer with us, say a prayer of thanks for their heavenly work.  I’m certain it will make their day!