A Heart to Lead

There’s a reason why we smile and marvel at children. There’s something magical about the way they see things. For a child, the world is in black and white, and I don’t mean anything racial. There’s Mom and there’s Dad. There’s happiness and sorrow. There are good guys and bad guys, and rarely anything in between.

The road from childhood is a long and winding one, and reflection is often comprised of both memory and imagination. Can you imagine the excitement a child feels when we ask them what they’d like to be when they grow up? Remember, if you will, a time of adventure and great promise! Life spread before you as a majestic table. Choose…it’s just that simple!

Subscribing to the idea that nothing is beyond his reach, one boy says he’d like to be a police officer on a motorcycle. It’s the perfect blend of “cool” and selfless servitude. Like most children, he wants to be a hero, and someday smile at children the way police officers smile at him.

Every child is born with a heart to lead

Although subject to change, a child’s dream can be taken for face value. The girl who wants to be a marine biologist dreams of saving the whales. Those who want to be doctors and lawyers really desire to help people. If clarity is essential to thought leadership, then it’s true that every child has the heart to lead.

But who can resist the temptation of a cookie jar? For even as adults, it remains the symbol of greed and conspiracy. Life’s spoils can impair our vision to lead. And while none of us could fathom the idea of bribing a child, life’s just that cruel and does it to us!

A heart to lead and a long and winding road…

Setbacks and defeats are often more discouraging than inspiring. They teach us that some things are sweeter tasting—like comfort and security. Before long, our dreams are no longer centered on making a difference in the lives of others. They become self-centered and run-of-the-mill.

Yes, the road has been long and winding! Many have conceded and no longer have the will or heart to lead. We’ve wrestled with uncertainty, and have trembled when our heroes took sudden heel turns. Our parents can no longer protect us. It is our turn to protect ourselves, and in many cases, the children of our own.

The solution, however, is as straightforward as it’s ever been. The choice between our dreams and comfort zone is one of the greatest decisions we’ll ever make. Neither path is a matter of right or wrong, but only one will foster true leadership.

Keep the child in you alive, and never lose your heart to lead!

This is your Monday Unleaded for the week of March 10, 2013. Have a productive week!

That’s the Way of the World – Earth Wind and Fire