“Leadership Is Everywhere”
Dear leader,
I was parked in a side-street waiting to pick up the granddaughter from school. As every day, a moderate sized group of pre-2ndry schoolers comes down the path heading to some unknown destination.
Fore and aft was an adult “guide” probably in their late 20s or so, so not quite children leading children as is often the case.
The road is a busy one. Parents, home owners, contractors, commuters, all use this road. Some are, inevitably, just lunatics! Regardless of the fact that this is a hot-spot for the transit of two major 2ndry schools less than a mile apart, cars fly up and down at considerably more than 20mph! If anyone or thing were to step out from between the countless parked cars lining the road like dough-balls on a stuffed crust, they’d be trouble.
Hence the “guides”. They cajole, corral and attempt control of the lively gaggle of girls and boys as they pour down the pavement like spilt marbles down a path.
As they approach the turning into a cul-de-sac that cuts across their route, the lead guide, with her head turned slightly back across her shoulder toward the crowding juveniles, steps into the road.
Immediately she is meet by a car turning into the CDC from the main street.
She didn’t look!
Not even a glance; just stepped right out.
The car was not driving as slow as the environment would suggest, but thankfully not as fast as some and thus stopped abruptly in time.
The young woman was not impressed and made her view obvious to all.
She was the leader!
She was setting the example. She did not demonstrate the basic first tenet of pedestrian safety to her cohort, ergo: STOP (let alone Look & Listen).
What would the impression be to her young, and very impressionable, following? She had a position of trust and responsibility and at the critical point of action, she failed.
Note To Self!
Leadership is everywhere. Even when we may not even know it.
As a leader we always need to hold the standard, to show the way, to set the example. Our actions will always speak louder than our words and others are always watching – even when we are just walking!
Living Life, Learning Lessons.
Live | Learn | Lead
