This post is dedicated to Lolly Daskal who inspired the words below. Thank you for being in the world, for sharing your story, your heart and your inspiration.
All the energy that ever was, is, and will be exists now.
All matter is energy. You are energy. You are matter. You matter.
You mattered long before your soul and body met.
You matter now and into eternity.
What we do matters. Every day we have opportunities to make a difference in the world, to put a smile on some-one’s face, to be kind, to shed light on a different perspective, to help someone who will in turn help someone else. These moments go by quickly. Some seem small, others profound. Don’t let them pass you by. Create the story of the kind of person you want to be in every one of these moments. Be that person and you are leading. You are being the best version of yourself, and by doing so you inspire others to do likewise. Leadership, your leadership, can be viral.
True Story #1 Why Are You Being Mean? Tiny Change
Several years ago I was perusing the titles in a used book store. After ten minutes I asked a question of the only other person in the store, the sales clerk behind the register. Without making eye contact she muttered something rude and dismissive. I was a minuscule interruption in whatever very important task she was completing. Out of sheer surprise and because I have moments of idealism coupled with naiveté I asked, “Why are you being mean to me?” Instant change. She guided me to the book I asked for and could not have been more attentive for the rest of my visit.
I stood outside the bookstore for 10 minutes and watched the next few customers go inside. Madam sales clerk was gracious and attentive to all. They even struck up conversations with each other. Leadership can be viral.
True Story #2 Strangers on the Train – Big Change
They were strangers on a train when Sasha Chanoff sat next to Kristi Maynard. The two struck up a conversation, and soon Mr. Chanoff shared the story of Mapendo International, the humanitarian organization he founded to aid rescue efforts for African refugees. Mrs. Maynard took an immediate interest and stayed in touch with Mr. Chanoff. Since then Kristi has held fundraisers at her home and recently visited the Mapendo camp in Kenya. She is having another fund raiser this summer. Kristi, emailed photos and comments about her visit. I replied with an offer to help spread the word. Kristi asked that I follow her on twitter and facebook as well as attend this summers fundraiser. The word is spreading and others are now following Mapendo and Kristi on twitter. Leadership can be viral.
True Story #3 Oprah Lights a Spark – Very Big Change
Oprah is a leader. She inspires many including Lisa Shannon who has also become a leader. Lisa learned from Oprah’s TV show about the savage treatment of women in the eastern Congo. Lisa became involved – first by reading more about women in the Congo, then by running a 30 mile race to raise money. After that Lisa established Run for Congo Women which raises funds in 10 states and 3 foreign countries. The money supports the organization Women for Women International. She is now writing A Thousand Sisters a book that telsl the stories of these brave women of the Congo. Nicholas Kristoff published an Op Ed about Lisa and her Congolese sisters. I tweeted the story. People re-tweeted it. Who knows what they might be doing to help. This is viral leadership.
You do not need a title, an organization, an office or a special parking place to lead. You just need a listening ear, a caring heart, a voice and the drive to act. Be the kind of person you want to be in your story about yourself in every moment of every day.
You are a leader. You can be a viral leader. You matter.
Have a viral leadership story? Please share it and spread the virus. If you would like the story to be considered for a follow up post, please contact me by email.