 |
True Leaders Come in Pink Tennis Shoes and Jeans
Author: Christina Parker  | Posted: 09-05-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 32 | Rating: (57)  (?) 
True leaders are mentors with a servant's heart. These are not just pretty words to fill out space. If you are NOT a true servant with a true passion for helping people you will not be a true leader in the real sense of the word. It is that simple. You may be doing well and have a list of people listening to your advices, but that alone does not make you a leader. People are not numbers you can just add on your email list or connection networks. They are people with dreams and goals like you. As a true leader, it should be your goal to lead people to where they want to be.
Being a leader, is not something you have to be born with. You can develop the qualities of a leader by being a good follower. True leaders, however, are not average people, they must be above average. I mean by this, that if you are an everyday average person, you are most likely a follower, not a leader. Once you become a leader, your thoughts, actions, and achievements will be above average, because you will be reacting differently than the average person. So what does a leader look like?
Terry and Erin are two 11 year old girls that have started a not for profit organization called "Friends Helping Friends." The organization raises awareness and money to fight childhood cancer. They are a true depiction of leadership in its purest form. I understand that we typically do not think of leadership in jeans and pink tennis shoes, but maybe that is part of the problem. We often expect to see leadership in a certain “format” and we miss all of the magical leaders that have the potential of changing the world. We walk right by the ones that would most likely soar above any of the others because we have a narrow predetermined vision of what it “should” be.
The girls have decided to take the reality of their life, learn from it and focus on others so that they can make a difference for the generation that will walk after them. Before they were a decade old, they had already set their legacy in motion. Three of the four children that are involved with the program have terminal cancer. Their dream of life and what they and their families thought that it could be have been shattered by the hard and cruel facts of reality. They could choose to get lost in that reality and lose their dreams, and yet they are finding the empowerment in the journey. That is right! They have chosen to NOT be a VICTIM but have made a decision to embrace empowerment. The journey is the part of life where we must consciously choose to capture the lessons from the darkest of our experiences and focus outward on other people. This is the trait of a real leader. This is where the reward happens. Not just a reward for you and the individual that you focus on but also with all of the people that they interact with. It is a true ripple effect.
These girls have inspired a foundation called “Friends Helping Friends” (www.fhfproject.com). They are dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer, raising research dollars for it and identifying children in their county that are experiencing it so that they can teach them how to lead in jeans and pink tennis shoes too! In the last two years they have raised countless spirits, pulled a community together, inspired numerous other businesses to get involved and have raised over $75,000. Beyond that, they are inspiring a movement of people. They have a level of influence that most leaders only dream of. When they enter a room, it is like a magnet. People stop and are automatically mesmerized. Not because of their lack of hair or the hand tremors from the variety of medicine cocktails that they have to take daily. Not by far! They have a special twinkle in their eye and energy in their step. They chose to see the light in the darkest of closets and the good in the shadiest of people. They truly have a different perspective on life and appreciate and value all that come across their path. Like I said, a true depiction of leadership in its purest form.
Excuse me. I must go now. I need to go and find a cute pair of pink tennis shoes and play webkins with the girls. If I am observant enough, I might learn a thing or two about leadership!
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-profit-organizations-articles/true-leaders-come-in-pink-tennis-shoes-and-jeans-409047.html
 About the Author:As Senior Vice President of a national “Top 500 Company” ~Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Founder and CEO of a leading professional development organization, and an owner of a thriving franchise business, Christina Parker firmly believes that the key to success in business and in life is the conscious development of, and investment in others. She calls this the “Good, Better, Best” approach to leadership. She has made it her mission to equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to move well beyond “good,” or “better,” and to experience the fulfillment and rewards that come with being the “BEST!” She is a member of Vistage (CEO Leadership group), and the National Speakers Association, founder of http://www.theleadershipmovement.com , founder of http://www.fhfproject.com and a certified franchise executive. You can contact her at http://www.christinaparker.org.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Non Profit Organizations Articles
Spare Change Makes Cents for Local Non-profits as Cirelli Marketplace Launches “round Up” Program in Conjunction With the United Way
By: Steve Dubin | 07/10/2008
Cirelli Marketplace has introduced a “Round Up” program, inviting their customers to round up their purchase to the next whole dollar, for the benefit of local non-profits. The Old Colony YMCA will receive all proceeds of the Round Up program during the month of October.
501(c)(3) Federal Income Tax Exemption for Religious Organizations
By: Melanie Guin MNM | 06/10/2008
Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, such an organization must meet the certain specific requirements.
Car4charities Sends One Million Dollars to Charities
By: Karen Campese | 03/10/2008
Cars4Charities has reached a major milestone. Since its’ beginning in 2003, it has sent over 1 million dollars to charities.
Old Colony Elderly Services Announces Professional Speakers
By: Steve Dubin | 01/10/2008
Old Colony Elderly Services, Inc. (OCES) in Brockton, a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that provides valuable programs and services to seniors, their families and caregivers, has recently announced the availability of professional speakers.
Volunteer Abroad in Chile La Serena Elqui Valley Santiago Concepcion Orphans Schools Daycare Indigenous Communities Www.abroaderview.org
By: Abroaderview | 25/09/2008
Volunteering Abroad in Chile: Chile, the longest country in the World, claims almost 3000 miles of the Pacific shoreline. This is a land of contrasts and extremes; with glacial landscapes of Patagonia in the south and the heat of the famously dry Atacama Desert in the north. Running almost the entire length of the country are the impressive peaks of the Andes mountain chain which are visible from many towns and cities.
Volunteer Abroad International Opportunities Overseas Volunteering Humanitarian Trips Medical Nurses Emt College & High School Students Families
By: Abroaderview | 25/09/2008
We offer international volunteer projects for the globally-minded individual searching for a unique travel experience. Our volunteer projects are available year round in Central America, South America, Asia and Africa.
We offer customized programs with flexible start dates. You choose when you want to volunteer and for how long. We personalize each program to suit your skills and preferences. Regardless if you are traveling solo, with your family, on a spring break, gap year or medical mission,
Sponsor a Child in India and Let Him Live a Hazardless Life!
By: sumat | 24/09/2008
Many poor people are living in dreadful conditions taking shelter in small colonies nearby the roads or railway stations. Their living condition is terribly poor.
Want to Make Your Not-for-profit More Efficient
By: Andrew Van Valer | 23/09/2008
To keep pace in an increasingly competitive world, your not-for-profit needs to run as efficiently as possible. Efficiency is critical for a not-for-profit because your resources are limited compared to other types of companies. Here is a tip for using a new keep-in-touch technology to help your business work more efficiently, cut costs and improve donor relations.
More from Christina Parker
Empower Your People. Leverage Your Power. Grow a Powerful Organization
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Leadership
The old adage, You're only as strong as the people around you is true. Yet so many of us in leadership tend to forget it, and in doing so we weaken our own management and leadership power bases. Give power to those outside your normal select group to identify prospective new key players. Give others the opportunities to become powerful in their own rights. The stronger they become; the stronger you become. Empower your people. Leverage your power. Grow a powerful organization.
Leadership Development: Daddy Knows Best
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Time Management
When you are leading a business, it is easy to join the ranks of the overwhelmed. You start the day with good intentions to grow the business and attend to your personal obligations, but at day's end, you may find you have accomplished very little. Growing up, I always remember my father telling me to work smarter, not harder. Embrace the 5 tips suggested here and find out why “Daddy knows best!”
Abc's of Leaders
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Leadership
I have had the pleasure of meeting many entrepreneurs and leaders. We are definitely a lively and colorful bunch! I have started to see a lot of common traits shared among them. I found a common trait for each letter of the alphabet, well ok, maybe I stretched the “x”. Enjoy!
What is Your Legacy?
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Motivational
Have you ever wondered what people will say about you after you have left this world? What part of this world will still stand with your special magical touch long after you are gone? Everyone has something to offer to enrich our world for the many generations to come. Many fail to recognize their potential and therefore, their legacy impact lies dormant until it is too late. What can you do today, to ensure that your magical touch
Effective Leadership = Energy, Confidence and the Ability to Influence
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Leadership
Successful leadership is truly about being able to influence others. Investing, developing and equipping your team is a great place to start. You can not focus on others, however, until you evaluate qualities in yourself first. You can not develop in others what you do not have. These ten easy steps will help increase your leadership influence and increase your business productivity.
Playing not to Loose!
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Leadership
To be successful as a leader you must play an offensive game. Those that live on the defense are not able to influence others or win raving fans. The goal of a leader is to produce results and have an impact. An impact on the competition as well as the lives of others. There is no competition for those who choose to play this game on purpose. Life is to short not to.
Crabs Don't Have Leadership Skills or Positive Vibes!
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Stress Management
It takes personal leadership to become aware that escaping the normal is possible. It takes personal leadership to choose and commit to creating the best life that you can. It takes personal leadership to take the actions necessary to propel yourself and your team to the next level of performance. The other key to a successful leader is one who consciously invests in others to help them grow. By helping other’s stand tall and strong, it actually enhances your success.
Investing in Others is Essential
By: Christina Parker | 09/05/2008 | Leadership
In your business relationships and in life, failing to consciously develop and invest in others, causes erosion of trust and belief in you and all you stand for. As a leader it is essential to invest personally and professionally in your team. It is only when they grow that you truly start experiencing the synergy that is produced from success.
|
|
Business 
