I believe that in order to lead, you must also be able to inspire. Inspiration. When was the last time you were truly inspired? When was the last time you were the source of someones’ inspiration? I don’t believe (completely) in the idea of fate, or the common saying, “it was meant to be”. However, over the past 3 days I’ve received gifts of inspiration when I didn’t expect them. Maybe I received them because I was open to them, or maybe it was just, dare I say it…fate.
Here are 3 examples of inspiration that I’ve encountered in 3 days:
- My friends’ son, Jake Berman, is a young man who has completed his first year in college. While visiting their home, he shared his portfolio from a photography class. Whoa. Not only were the pictu
res breathtaking; his explanation of each shot was profound and poignant. I’ve known Jake since he was a toddler. His insight, compassion and talent have always inspired me (whether it was on the football field, helping a friend, wrestling in a district tournament or having a conversation). I’m confidant that no matter the path he chooses he will one day be a quiet leader, standing up for what’s right and making a difference.
- On Twitter I saw a quote posted initially by @LeadToday (aka Steve Keating) that was retweeted by @ndefalco (aka Nicole DeFalco). The quote: “Talk is cheap. Action is priceless.” Simple. It spurred me into action. I had grand plans all day. This simple quote helped me put those plans into action. Then a few hours later, @MarkOOates (aka Mark Oakes) tweeted that he had a peak training session to prepare for a “half Ironman” which included a 1.5 mile swim, 60 mile bike ride and 7 mile run. Someone buy this man a CAR! Who does all that in one day? Again, I was inspired. I laced up my jogging shoes and went for a run. For the record, I jogged just a bit more than he swam. I didn’t want to show him up. I’m cool like that. These people lead by wisdom and example.
- On Facebook, a friend posted this video. If you do not give this video 4 minutes of your attention it will be your complete loss. I will let it speak for itself.
What are you doing to inspire others? Where have you found inspiration in unlikely places? How do you incorporate inspiration into your leadership behaviors? We would love to hear your thoughts on inspiration as an element of leadership and as one of the gifts of life.
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Nice blog jenny and you’re right about everything with jake he’s an awesome guy!! I used to have a lot of fun when he and I would workout together but tell jake CONGRATS on finishing his first year of college that’s awesome!
Hi Kyle,
Congrats to YOU! You are equally amazing!!! I’m so proud of all you’ve done, and how hard you’ve worked to be where you are today. You’re such a rock star! And you’re my “Riggins”! I can’t wait to see you…and I can’t wait to hear more about your football try-outs. You’re such a natural. The team will be lucky to have you.
Love,
Jenny
Hi Jen,
I just attended a retreat at a wonderful spot in the Santa Cruz mountains. The theme of the retreat was teamwork, and we watched Invictus on the first night. The movie, about inspiration, was inspiring to our group and set the tone for the weekend.
Another part of the retreat was spent on contemplating our gifts. We all have different gifts that we often overlook, but be important to others. How we use those gifts can be inspirational.
I’m inspired to call an old friend whom I’ve had troubles working with lately. During the weekend, I figured out a way to bridge the communications and make our working relationship work again.
So, I guess my inspiration came down like the sunbeams that were streaming through the redwoods this weekend.
Cheers,
Marty
Hi Marty,
What an inspirational response! I’m glad you had the opportunity to attend a retreat that resulted in such insight and action. What a gentle reminder to contemplate our gifts. I think all too often we focus on our shortcomings (I know I do!) and that is also what tends to get reinforced throughout our lives. For example, in school our graded tests and papers highlight what is incorrect; at work we often have supervisors who forget or ignore the value we bring to the team and choose instead to focus on our errors.
Your friend is lucky to have you! What a gift…reconnecting in order to bridge the past with an opportunity for a future. I commend you in taking the steps to make that work.
Enjoy the sunbeams, Jen
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