When those who create change in the world share, something within me stirs. I admire the courage that allows them to face and overcome challenges- conquering mountains or handicaps, setting records, or fighting for and attaining freedoms. What sets them apart? What motivates them to take action leaping into action and moving ahead?
Conviction that change is necessary and possible is a primary motivator empowering an individual to operate outside of their comfort zone. Vision and strength unite as challenges are navigated and emerge as leaders. They communicate and inspire others to action in attaining common goals creating more leaders and expanding their leadership influence.
Thomas Edison said “We shall have no better conditions in the future if we are satisfied with all those which we have at present.” Conviction acted upon brings about change. It may be a long journey as witnessed in the lives of 2011 Nobel Laureates Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakkul Karman. These women listen with intention and communicate with conviction pursuing change as did Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi before them.
Envisioning a better future for individuals, for a people and/or for a country prompts individuals to step outside of their comfort zones. Brian Tracey encourages us, “You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” The ability to see a better future is not restricted to causes for the betterment of humanity. Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs are just a few who saw a better product, process or way of doing business; acted upon it and changed the world.
Strength of character is another quality of effective leaders. A strong voice combined with values such as integrity, dedication, humility and inclusion garner trust and commitment. Leaders who recognize potential in others provide the opportunity and encouragement that allows talents and gifts to manifest. Such leaders are necessary to move forward in any enterprise.
In The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner state, “Leadership is not the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women. It is a process ordinary people use when they are bringing for the best from themselves and others. When the leader in everyone is liberated extraordinary things happen.”
Leaders then are change agents on many fronts. Conviction, vision and character work together to establish individuals on the leadership path.
What gives you the confidence and conviction to take a leap and move forward as a leader?
