Leadership....

Since my early years, I had always considered myself a leader. I was groomed to be a leader. I took every opportunity offered me to be a leader. I have trained new leaders. But it wasn't until the past several years that I think I really understood what it meant to be a leader and the characteristics that you had to hone in order to be a successful leader.

Yes, there are good leaders and bad leaders. I think I've mostly been the former, but I'm sure there are times I've fallen well short of being the kind of individual that other people want to follow.

Yesterday at the annual Junior League of Annapolis holiday luncheon we had the pleasure of hearing from Angie Morgan on leadership. Angie Morgan was a Marine captain and is a best-selling author of a book called Leading from the Front. Angie asked us to identify who inspired us and what kinds of characteristics leaders possess.

For me, the inspiring leaders are people like Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Jane Goodall. People with conviction, courage, and the ability to make themselves heard.

But they are also my grandfather, Mr. Brockett (yes, those from Garrettsville all had Mr. Brockett at one time or another) and Dr. Cooper (tossing one out there for the Otterbein alumni in the room). These people may not be internationally known but they provided guidance, inspiration, stability, compassion,and a moral compass. It is these folks that have had a lasting impact on who I am today and who I hope to be in the future. As I lead others, these are the people that I hope would be proud of how I approach difficult situations.