When I chose to start my business, I decided to focus on leadership development because there are too many lousy leaders disguising themselves.
Good bishops, protected abusive priests, instead of the children put in peril.
Good commanding officers defended their bases,and the predators who raped fellow soldiers.
Good cops have lost their judgment behind the thin blue line, rather than acknowledge blatant wrongs.
Good college administrators have failed, choosing to save the reputation of their schools, instead of the welfare of their students.
Good executives, who began their careers with dreams of giving back to their old neighborhoods, instead hoard what they reap.
I do what I do because there are some teachers who openly despise children, and some doctors who prescribe pills, when empathy would do. Because of politicians brave enough to throw their hat into the ring, quickly cowering and becoming beholden to the monied who want them, instead of the many who need them.
Because there are neglectful parents, who want even more “me time” and Pavlovian teens, who press a like button to unspeakable images, least they risk being left out, or worse, singled out.
Because the loudest voices, continue to be rewarded, despite their gibberish.
Because critical thinking has become too hard, attention spans too short, personal relationships too shallow, and the gulf between today and someday I’ll … too deep.
Leadership is not rare, it is ignored or abdicated. Opposing forces demonize, minimize and tell lies in an effort to reduce the effect of real leaders who care, who pause to think, or act decisively, or dare to admit they don’t know.
Real leaders are not perfect beings, but they try. When they err, they are remorseful. They offer to make amends – quickly, not disposable apologies … eventually.
I do what I do because leadership is important, and I want to make sure that when given the chance to lead, you take it and do it well. And that you shun the sickeningly common preoccupation too many leaders have of preserving their ego while inflicting harm into the lives of others, either by ignorance or intent.
Leadership is everywhere and sometimes it falls into the wrong hands. I do what I do to help even the odds.
What is your why?