Influence?

Leadership is not just about the right education, credentials and personality. Leaders usually show up at a moment in time when the culmination of their experiences, perspectives, and voice are needed. Leaders are those in the right place at the right time to influence and forge the path in such a time as this.

I am surrounded by great examples of leaders. I recently observed leaders from city administration, schools and community organizations work collaboratively to bring a vision to life. Each brought their perspective, their expertise and their passions to their collective work and the community is better for it.

I watched a coach lead his little league team to victory with equal parts of integrity and passion. I observed a board chair navigate difficult waters of competing agendas and personalities and bring consensus out of what looked like an impossible dynamic. I watched a mom lead her children through a tumultuous argument with discipline and love.

If you are in a position of influence, whether you influence your family, a neighborhood or a whole community, lead well. Know that you bring a unique set of attributes, gifting and experience to your leadership role and you are not there by accident. Look for opportunities to speak, to stand and to influence for good and forge ahead with confidence that this is your time.

-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP