Are you a natural leader?

Colleagues,

Yesterday, I shared that Mara was graduating from college. I wondered who would step up and mentor her leadership skills?
 
Tomorrow, my son Lance also graduates from college. At 26, Lance has had a more circuitous path to his degree. One of the advantages is that he has already had a number of leadership opportunities, leading and coordinating programs for youth.
 
Lance is an extrovert with a strong personality and a big sense of adventure. At 6’3” he has a strong physical presence and has been called “a natural leader.”
 
Throughout his life, adults have provided Lance opportunities to lead in clubs, teams, and workspaces. His “natural” leadership opportunities have been nurtured and accelerated through the intentional efforts of others.
 
This brings us back to yesterday’s reflection. 

• What about those people who aren’t “natural” leaders? 
• What does “natural” even imply? 
• What assumptions do we make about what leadership is?
• How do those assumptions influence who we provide mentorship and opportunities to?

 
Our world is in trouble and we need more leaders. Specifically, we need more leaders who don’t fit the mold, who may bring other skills and perspectives to the problems we face.
 
So again, I appeal to you find someone who doesn’t seem like a “natural” leader and give them an opportunity. Open the gate.
 
If you’ve got a few minutes at 5:00 this evening, consider tuning into Lance’s “Grand Canyon Live Premier” on YouTube (link). Lance created a 20-minute video of his Grand Canyon rafting trip and it is interesting to watch it through a leadership lens.
 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick