What do you think of when you think of leadership? Do you consider yourself a leader in any aspect of your life? What does it mean to be a leader? What type of leader are you?

There are many different theories about what it takes to be an effective leader; from the charismatic extrovert who commands attention whenever he or she speaks, to the soft-spoken introvert who prefers to empower others from the sideline.

Despite what you’ve been told, and despite how you may view your own leadership abilities (or lack thereof), you truly are a leader. Stake your claim to what is yours.

It’s very empowering to acknowledge, celebrate, and truly own all of the aspects of our existence. And each of us is a leader on some level: at home, at work, in the community… through formal or informal roles. Whether a CEO or a stay-at-home parent, we all have the ability to inspire others and create action through our ideas, words, and examples.

Of course we can’t all be leaders in all areas - but we can claim the leadership responsibilities that have already been bestowed upon us: if you’re a parent, then you’re a leader. If others often come to you for feedback or advice, you’re a leader. You’re a leader if you can think beyond the minutiae and the mundane, and if you’re able to assess challenges as opportunities.

We can claim our leadership in any area in which we feel a sense of passion and investment: wherever we care deeply enough to develop our knowledge, self-evaluate and grow, and challenge ourselves and others to strive for something better.

Try expanding your own concept of leadership, and seize the opportunity to stake your claim. You may already be the top dog at work - but how can you bring a more positive influence to your children? Or you may possess no formal title at all - but where can you share your unique knowledge, experience, talent, and wisdom? Where can you influence a change in your world (no matter how small), and inspire those around you to do the same?

You are a leader. Wear it proudly. Positive change is desperately needed on all levels, grand and small - from the political arena, to the boardroom, to the living room. And each of us can embrace the privilege, right, and responsibility to make it happen!

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Chris Hammer, Ph.D. is a certified professional coach and licensed psychologist. He offers leadership and life coaching services, as well as various coaching e books for people who are passionate about their personal and professional growth.
http://www.mycoachingbooks.com

  Posted By tyna     Jan 31, 2010       3 comments  

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars” — Jack Kerouac

The secret ingredient to success in anything we do is to find the passion in it. The kind of passion that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning because you can’t wait to begin your day.

Many of us have lost touch with that kind of passion in our lives. We have settled along the way for just getting by, surviving, making do with what we have, not expecting too much, just in case we’re disappointed.

Some of us have completely given up on our dreams. In fact, we don’t even remember what those dreams were, feeling they were just too out of reach, not worth the effort that we think is necessary to make them come true. And, as a result, we have lost our passion for life, our reason for living in the first place. We have settled for mediocrity and sold our souls in the process.

May just reading the following piece about Passion stir up your soul today, and ignite the fire within you. That fire may have dimmed, but the light hasn’t gone out. As long as you are alive and breathing, it never will. It is waiting there where you last left it. Can you remember where that was?

Passion

The difference between a job and a career. The difference between an actor and a star. The difference between a song and a symphony. The difference between a painting and a work of art. The difference between caring and intimacy. The difference between romance and rapture. The difference between intelligence and genius. The difference between living and being alive.

Passion

Wanting to jump out of bed in the morning. Wanting the night to never end. Wanting the moonlight to last forever. Wanting to reach and touch the sky. Wanting forever to be longer.

Passion

When everything tastes like Champagne. When everything smells like Freesia. When everything looks like Christmas. When everything sounds like Mozart. When everything feels like Velvet.

Passion

When heaven is not a place to go to, but a place to be. When success is not a thing, but a feeling. When love is not an offer, but an acceptance. When music is not a sound, but a resonance. When life is not an existence, but a celebration.

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If you would like some help in allowing the Passion back into your life today, then I invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to two (2) beautiful, full color, inspirational mini-posters when you visit “>http://www.insightsandinspirations.com/gifts.html You will find an uplifting free audio and inspiring video there for you to use as well.

From Veronica Hay - Inspirational Author/Publisher - Insights and Inspirations Hub

  Posted By tyna     Jan 26, 2010       2 comments