I often get great ‘reminders’ at church. And this past weekend did not disappoint!
I listened intently as a Cincinnati-area eye doctor shared his inspiring story about how he is selling his successful practice to move to South Africa and serve people in desperate need of his expertise.
His “ah-hah” moment came in January of this year when a feeble, elderly woman with cataracts, waiting in a line among hundreds who were requesting eye exams, received a simple pair of drugstore reading glasses that allowed her to see the big E at the top of the eye chart. Not only did she thank him for the “only gift she had ever received” but she also laid her hands on him and prayed for him. He wept as she did this and as many other South Africans also joined in the prayer.
This one moment forever changed the course of his life.
As he described his experience, I had clear imagery in my mind. I could see this tiny, wrinkled old woman, who was likely bent over from the weight of time and a hard life. He mentioned that she was a native South African, who was also an albino. That meant that she wasn’t readily accepted by either the white or black population in her village. My heart cried for her one moment…and rejoiced the next moment, as she demonstrated thankfulness and appreciation that inspired many others and led to the biggest change in one man’s life.
“The most valuable gift a leader can give is being a good example.”
This quote, in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell helps us all to remember that great leaders don’t have to be at the helm of the ship. They don’t have to have thousands of reports or the responsibility of a multi-million dollar budget. They don’t have to be television stars or even public figures of any kind.
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Leaders can come from all places, and they can come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and otherwise! They just have to be a good example…and sometimes the best examples come from surprising places.
Similarly, author Bill George tells us in True North that,
“Following your passion will help you discover the purpose of your leadership. When you do, you are ready to make a difference in the world.”
Passion? Who, me?
Everyone has a passion! It’s certainly not limited to the rich and famous! Your passion can inspire your actions, and your actions can inspire others. This old, decrepit, and outcast woman led hundreds of others in prayer and in showing appreciation. She led a wealthy, successful, and educated man to follow his calling. She simply did what came naturally…and yet..look at the effect she had. Now her story is further inspiring everyone in our church and anyone who may read this blog.
How are you incorporating your passion into your time and efforts? What examples are you leading with? Take note!! You just may have inspired someone…and that makes you a leader!!
Do you have a great story of how you have led someone, even when you weren’t in a traditional leadership position? Has your example or passion inspired someone? Please share your story; it’s just another way to demonstrate your leadership!!
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Erin Schreyer is Owner/Managing Partner of Sagestone Partners, LLC.
She can be reached at [email protected]
Image Source: studiogeorgette.com
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This is encouraging to me as a now fulltime stay at home mom. I’m not a leader of a large organization and I don’t have responsibility for a multimillion dollar budget. I don’t even see myself as a person that thrives in titled leadership roles. But I am skilled and gifted in encouraging and inspiring people, not just my children but also my friends and coworkers (other moms). You’re right that we all can be leaders when we think out of the box and realize that much of leadership is being a good example and inspiring others to follow your lead.
Erin,
It is neat when someone you don’t expect does something for little or no money and changes the world. It is convicting to me that some people make a great difference so effortlessly and others never seem to lift a finger.
My daughter several years ago learned about a family that needed some things around Christmas. She got our whole family involved and got us to purchase several items I don’t even remember any more. But the one item I do remember was a mattress and box springs. They needed a bed and someone else had a frame. So she and I took off down to town and got the job done. She was the catalyst and her passion blessed those people and our family at the same time.
Thanks for encouraging me to recall that story.
Mike…
Mike,
Thanks so much for your comments and for sharing a beautiful memory with your daughter! Good for her for leading the charge…and good for you for raising such an amazing young woman!!
Erin
What stands out to me is that the elderly woman acknowledged what the doctor did for her. For me, that is the key. I think we can all take a lesson in that…if someone has inspired you-TELL THAT PERSON! Don’t be shy and don’t wait to tell the person. This action then becomes inspiring and encouraging to her/him and can be a self-perpetuating cycle. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all inspire and encourage one another in this way?
Hi, Ursula!
Thanks for your comments! I agree the world would be a better place with that self-perpetuating cycle!! Let’s see if we can get the movement started! It only takes a few…right?!!!
Erin
Yes it does! I just email an associate to tell him how much he inspired me in a meeting last week. 🙂
Way to go, Ursula!!! Start the revolution!! WOO HOO!!!