I don’t need to post of picture of the description, and don’t need to flex my admittedly limited journalistic muscles to try to explain the size and scope of the devastation.
If you have seen any news in the last 48 hours you know it is bad. Really bad.
And from what I have read, it is going to get worse long before it gets better. In my mind there are many leadership opportunities available to all of us in the wake of this horrific natural diaster.
We will certainly have the opportunity to, through the news media, observe leadership in action. We will see it from a politic, national and interantional level. We will see it in the stories about the relief agencies. We will read of leadership shown by “ordinary” citizens.
Citizens like you and me.
If you believe, as I do, that leadership isn’t as much about a title or position, as it is about taking action, then you will see many more opportunities for leadership beyond passively oberving through the media. Here are a few examples.
You could . . .
- organize a fund raiser within your organization, community, group, neighborhood or family.
- use your twitter account to be better informed and share opportunities to help with others.
- Find an organization that is on the ground in Haiti and see how you – and those you lead can help.
- Donate your money.
- Donate your time and talents.
This is a high level list, and intentionally isn’t that long. The ideas I have are just ideas. The ideas that matter more are yours, and those of your team.
Perhaps you are saying, “Kevin, I don’t have a team, or I only supervise one person.” To which I would respond, leadership is action, not position. Take an idea, take leadership, create a vision and people will follow.
If you want to make a difference. If you want to practice your leadership skills. If you want to do both at the same time, think about the challenge I am issuing to you, and be a leader. The skills you practice will help you in every future leadership opportunity of your life. And, at the same time, you will be making a positive difference in the world.
Make no mistake, the ideas I listed are forms of leadership. so are the 15 ideas you have floating in your head right now.
Here is your chance. Now is your time.
To lead.
Thanks for this inspiration – I discovered that we can instantly send a $10 donation to the Red Cross by just texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999. I’ve posted this info on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter, and encouraged others to pass the info along.
-Chris
http://twitter.com/ChrisCade
http://facebook.com/ChrisCade
Leadership is action. Kevin, what a powerful statement!
Chris – you are absolutely correct on texting “Haiti” to 90999 and $10 will instantly be donated to the American Red Cross. This effort is backed by the U.S. State Department. The donation will appear on your monthly bill and standard text messaging rates do apply. This texting campaign has already raised more than $5 million to help in the Haitian relief effort. In the 48 hours since the earthquake, generous supporters have donated nearly $35 million total.
You can also donate by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
We are extremely thankful for this unprecedented outpouring of support. Please continue to spread the message that a little donation goes a very, very long way!
– Victoria
Chris and Victoria – Thanks for this information. Sharing that here is one more example of being a leader.
Thanks!
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for this helpful and inspiring leadership advice. I’ve posted it on my blog (http://tinyurl.com/yfmt4pe) and have sent various tweets to promote it.
I’m sure it will inspire many people to help the people who are badly suffering from this mega disaster.
Warm regards from a sunny Sydney,
Patrick
@PatrickDriessen
http://patrickdriessen.blogspot.com