Be Your Best Person

C. Vivian Stringer, one of the most accomplished basketball coaches in the country, was part of this year's Smart Talk Women's Lecture Series.  She shared a story about how two months after her husband died in 1992 and how she did not think she could keep going.  At this point, she was a single full-time parent and full-time working woman in a coaching profession that can eat up every minute.  She admitted how inadequate and guilty she felt. 

But a woman--her angel, she said--saw Vivian crying and comforted her by saying these words.  "You're not going to be the best mom all of the time.  You're not going to be the best coach all of the time.  Just be the best person you can be, and be at peace."

In my opinion, this should be our goal.  The definition of leadership that has emerged for me is that leadership is learning to live your best life.  If I am the best person I can be, then I should attract others.  I should be the influencer in a positive way.

Vivian reminded the women that "if we don't stand up for something, then we will fall for anything."  But she stressed that standing up can be difficult and come with a price.  "Too often, women who are powerful are considered too aggressive.  Women stay away from the word 'power.'  It seems to be overbearing.  But we should embrace it."

Comments

[Miki]

Jann, Thanks for visiting and for the link.

Everyone can be a leader and you're right that it's about living your best life. Leadership isn't what you do, it's who you are. Real leadership isn't something you announce you're doing—it's pronounced as done in the eyes of the beholders.

Leadership and management are recognized as separate, but I believe that the model has changed since Warren Bennis defined 13 differences in "On Becoming a Leader."

I'm starting a conversation at LeadershipTurn.com that will look at his 13 differences in light of today's workforce. I'd love to have you all participate.