Leadership starts “near here” and grows to “out there.
- Impressive to start a movement? Heck Yes!
- Impressive to lead positive change in a large organization? For Sure!
- Impressive to embrace and affirm the people closest to you? Undoubtedly!
- Impressive to give your confidants “first dibs” to time on your calendar? Monumental!
In a world where Facebook & Instagram pictures can be cropped, filtered and photo shopped — sometimes it’s hard to see the truth. A glossy shot appears to sparkle with happiness. But we don’t get to see the whole shot – the before & after or the picture behind the picture.
I’m inspired by so many people doing amazing worldly projects and movements or leading large organizations in grand ways. But I’m often worried that their attention to “out there” overlooks their “near here”. Their goals may be lofty but their inner world is often a mess.
This “out there” success is addicting with demands becoming bigger and ever more enticing. All the while the foundation of their life, the “near here” is losing its strength. The “near here” needs attention and appreciation. The “near here” of family, community , friends and local commitments. It has to feel like it matters.
The world is not perfect.
- It’s full of pain.
- It’s full of joy.
- It’s full of defeat.
- It’s full of triumph.
This is the fabric, the mosaic of our lives.
First, make your “near here” as strong as possible. Then every “out there” will also be stronger. And the deepening of your foundation will radiate to everyone.
Leadership does start “near here” and grows to “out there”.
