Who Do You Think You Are? – By Arnie Wohlgemut
Ever hear that?
I know folks who heard that from family and close friends every time they took a chance on something. That’s tough. They wanted to be who they felt called to be, but well-meaning, albeit misguided, people shot them down.
In 2007 my boss said that to me and that lit my fire.
I’m fortunate, my parents were encouraging. When I was just 14 my dad walked through the kitchen, stopped and looked at me and said “Arnold,” (yeah, they called me Arnold) “it doesn’t matter what you choose to become, just be the best you can be.”
I want to be the best I can be and, if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that leadership is a continuous act of courage — courage to do things you have never done.
I love to watch little kids. I think: “Seriously, you’re going to hurt yourself!” But they try it! They tell us what they think, just like they see it.
You see, we are born courageous. We did those crazy, daring things as kids. Sadly, somewhere along the line we’ve submitted to some self-limiting thoughts.
Leaders, men and women who manage people, need courage.
• Courage to build a vision in places where directions change with every election.
• Courage to surround yourself with people who think differently than you.
• Courage to serve your staff by being the example.
• Courage to hold your integrity at times when you are asked to do things that are wrong.
• Courage to speak the truth when all they want is someone to stroke their ego.
• Courage to do something that makes it a better place to work by adding value to others.
• Courage to love your staff unconditionally even though it may cost you.
Do you have the courage to be who you were meant to be?