Leadership-A Daily Gift
I just spent the last week vacationing on the shores of Lake Ontario, a hallmark setting, not a rumble of city life for miles. Subsequent to this gorgeous setting I had very little access to the outside world. The one day that I was able to get the New York Times, on my iphone actually, I was struck by an article about President Obama’s nominee for Surgeon General.
Dr. Regina Benjamin is a rural Alabama family physician whom founded a clinic in a small shrimping village called Bayou La Batre. (sound familiar…yep Forrest Gump) The town of 2,500 contained residents with almost no health insurance, most are immigrants from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Since opening the clinic, she has rebuilt it 3 times due to hurricane devastation. During the rebuilding she twice mortgaged her own home, maxed out 3 credit cards, and to this day is owed $300,000 dollars of her own money she put into the clinic. If this is not the mark of a leader, someone who leads with action, then I don’t know what is.
I’ve often found that when academics, motivational speakers, politicians and the like speak of leadership, they regularly refer to military heroes. Individuals whom have marked themselves on the battlefield, bled for country, cause, or possibly just the man next to them. These metaphors ring true in our ears, years of cinematic vignettes flood our minds. We recall explosions, last breaths and the fearless leader promising it will be okay.
Fortunately for most of us, we have never had to endure the trappings of war, never been asked to charge a bunker in some distant land, or take a final sweetheart letter from a fallen comrade. But still each day offers us a chance of sacrifice, an opportunity to provide leadership in a moment of uncertainty, give hope when it seems there is nothing to be promised. We do not need a battlefield to experience this, we simply need to open our eyes to the opportunity before us.
We awake each day with the incredible gift to lead. Leadership is not pithy sayings, kitschy slogans, or daily calendar quotes. Leadership is taking on the personal responsibility, everyday, to have your actions and deeds be the example that your words describe. Leaders awake every morning with the conviction of person to carve their own path, they call on their own minds to be the lighthouse of guidance. A leader has the confidence, and welcomes the challenge, of standing alone, accountable and compassionate of others. A leader does not say, “follow me”, rather, a leader says, “follow you.” Be reliant, and unwavering with the commitment to yourself, and your own personal truth.
Leaders have vision. There is very little more powerful than an individual’s imagination. Imagination is often associated with fanciful daydreaming, the best friend of childhood. But imagination is the emotional capital of the true entrepreneur. It’s not enough to articulate your vision; you must be the very manifestation of your words. Leaders are always cognizant of the greater purpose, and have active plans of achievement.
Leaders set standards. Accountability begins intrinsically. We often assume accountability is a list of responsibilities. A schedule, punctuality, bills. Accountability comes from within. It is the fervent belief that I will not let myself down.
Leaders take vigorous action. Passivity is the mark of the follower. They are stagnant and allow themselves to be victims of circumstance rather. Circumstances only befall those who allow it to be so.
Leaders make excellence the expectation. An individual can never outperform their own expectations, if they expect excellence. Mediocrity is simply the result of mediocre ambitions. Be brazen with your thoughts, desires and expectations.
Leaders don’t set out to be so, the integrity of their actions and intent make them so.
All My Best,
Jay Kubassek
Posted: July 17, 2009
Filed under: Jays' Letters
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44 Responses to “Leadership-A Daily Gift”Tell us what you're thinking...
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Jay,
Great post. Leadership is about consistency, a servant attitude and a willingness to lead by action that is repeatable and easy to follow. You hit it on the head with your commentary.
Keep up the good work!
~Neil
Hey JK,
You crazy Canuck vacationing on Lake Ontario, it must be July! If their wasn’t a tall building in the way I could catch a glisph of the inner harbor right now. If your in Toronto any Sunday this summer let me know, I’ll show you to an awesome party cruise that will blow your mind.
Your leadership skills have worn off on me and I thank you for that immensely.
I Love how you help lead this community, so the rest of us can work at our own free will across the globe and back.
I am so thankful for landing on a page with a tall skinny dude that was wearing a tuxedo, standing beside a BMW, that had a story almost to good to be true, that lead me down the path to where I am now.
Cheers bro,
Kirk
It is very smart and nice!
Great article and nice picture. Taken with your iPhone?
So true.
The best test of a leader is:” Do those served grow as persons; do they become healthier, wiser , freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become leaders?” John Greenleaf. Dear Jay Thanks much for the 140 extra auto responders. Jerald j Magee
I am thinking about how everytime that I have been down to the lowest I have looked for answers…those were ALWAYS ¨my visions¨, and they were there…no rational to them. But somehow sooner or later, in different shape, size or colour…they have ALWAYS come to life.
These words come from an ex muffler salesman to a self made millionaire, who’s wonderful words of uncompromising wisdom, he unselfishly shares with anyone who cares to strive for a better lifestyle for themselves, loved ones, and the general community as a whole.
Thanks Jay – we love you!
Jay
Thank you for another warm and inspiring story. We feel extremely fortunate now that we’ve recently become a part of your vision. You’re really a tremendous example of the stature that youth can aspire to, Jay, and we’re very excited to be able to meet you and Aaron in November.
With our sincere regards to you and all the team, especially JJ.
John [and Heather] Wass
Perth, Western Australia
PS ~ Heather’s really taking to Adwords creativitively, and it’s just beginning to show positive results. With Sophia being the Google Adwords “Queen”, Heather may well turn out to be the Google Adwords “Queen Mother”!
Jay,what an awesome letter. I am sharing your letter with my niece and nephew. These two youngsters are starting college soon and need to keep this close to mind. As an aunt, I have talked with the two about this topic, perhaps I need to take your approach.
Mahalo from Honolulu, Hawaii.
i like this topic. leadership is a great grift that controls or rules the group or company. its the great skill to rule the group
A well written article and I will pass this on to friends and family.
Thanks,Gary
I agree entirely with what Jay Kubassek said about leadership.
Great one Jay. It went deep inside my heart and allows me to think of what I’ve been doing.
it is really astonishing and at the same time makes me feel as if i am present in
that serene and calm atmosphere.i am deeply the story of a duty conscious and service oriented attitude doctor.the sacrifice of the doctor cannot be compared with
any sacrifice in the world. service to humanity is service to god.but,is not good as of today,people will not recognise tha sacrifice,they only say who asked you to borrow money.i request the doctor to save money but only spend after setting aside
wealth for the future and then do service.i have become target in the similar way.
Excellent!
Inspirational.
Very nice, thank you for sharing.
Thank you; Jay, for this eloquent writing
It explains well, what my thoughts and actions are
Things in my life that I keep operational, which do not produce a profit in dollars
But do provide Jobs, to a few and leadership availability to others
People in my life continually point to why you are keeping this going
Or you are just nuts to be doing, what you are doing
Words do not come easy to me, so I do not explain my actions
But this writing of yours evokes all the thoughts and reasons for my action
So THANK YOU! For sharing…
Hello Jay,
Thank you for your kind note and indeed, for your personal thoughts on leadership. I am a US military veteran and do understand the value of leadership, something I saw so little of in industry. That is one of the reasons why I decided to join CCPro … your leadership. You don’t just preach it, you seem to be doing it. The one thing I learned in the Army and will demonstrate at CCPro is the fact that leadership is done from the front, not behind the folks you are trying to lead. “Leading” as a word implies that you are showing people the path to follow.
When I registered at WMI and activated my account, I read that you were often still the best salesman. Wow! I led many soldiers in combat and also, led many people in companies. Never have I witnessed a General being the best marksman, a sales director be the top salesman, let alone the owner, founder and CEO of a corporation being the top saleman, buddy! Now that is impressive!
So, I just got started, see you at the top soon, Jay! By the way, I will be sharing with my family, as I believe charity starts at home. Thank you for the leadership by example …
Marty Parsons
Great article Jay, I’ve been asking your family members if they know you and they
report they have heard about you. I’m still working to get this Carbon Copy Pro
working but we just moved from Listowel Ont and I have been bogged down. I am finally coming up above the work and will need some suggestions on how to get going. Thanks, John Otto
Hello Jay,
Your points speaks for themselves as your article is filled with the truth of life. Inorder to be a leader, you have to deny yourself the “FLASHY” things of this world and lead by your examples.
Thanks very much for you said it all.
Christine Nw
Hi Jay,
I was in a book shop this afternoon just browsing through and what really caught my eye was on the back of a book it said on thelines of … the single most important element that every leader should possess is Courage I read this a few times and every time I read these lines the word Courage shouted back at me. It is the courage of a father, mother, husband, wife to stand next to each other in difficult times that keeps the family intact. The same way a leader keeps and shows the courage to move on to the top so that his/ her followers can have the courage to follow their dreams. I love how courageous our leaders here at carboncopypro are. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful insight.
Jay – consistent as usual, which is why leadership is a passion, not a job to you! I have a friend (younger) that created a poster years ago that said: Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way. hmmm…interesting to revisit life’s events. Thanks again, Jay.
Hi Jay, thanks for this beautiful description of true leaderchip.
I will share it with others.
Sincerely
Victor Pagan
Dear Jay,
I am in total agreement with you.
Thanks!
Well said. Thank you!
Hi Jay, Another great article . Funny, but poignant reference I thought of: Robin Williams character,Teddy Roosevelt no less, says in “Night at the Museum” “Some people are born great, and some people have greatness thrust upon them.” I have certainly come to believe, that leaders are Made and not Born. You have to follow yourself first so that when the time comes, you’ll be ready to lead. From one Muffler man to another, your example keeps me determined, amped, motivated. Thank you for your leadership.
P.S. Been a rather cool and wet summer thus far on the southern shores of Lake Ontario Eh!? But the sun is shining today! Gotta love Upstate NY
Todd P.
As a retired military officer, your definition about leadership has really hit my heart deeply, and I thank you for those beautiful words of leadership. I will share this within my Company.
very nice and inspiring, nice picture too..
Yes, leaders are made (self vs. situation), not born.
Very nice, thank you for sharing
So true, and very well put. Great inspirational words, now for me as a new person to take the action……
Hi Jay!
from a newbie at carbon copy pro..thanks so much for the inspirational thoughts they are often what keeps me going!
After burning the boat… learning to swim demands from me constant honest reflection. I am grateful that your desire to help people create life altering choices has become a light house on the shore, a trusted beacon in the night.
These are wonderful thoughts which are really influencing in itself. Am going to share this to a school where I have been invited for their prize-giving day. JK you are really touching many lives
Dalmas Oleko- KENYA
Keep the inspiration coming Jay. Every post has something to speak to everyone. I look forward to shaking your hand sometime. D
Is true that we all are leader by calling.
Everday we wakeup from our slumber with a new idea, a new promise.
But the problem most of us face are: WHERE DO WE START FROM?
HOW DO WE START AND THE FEAR OF GETTING IT RIGHT.
Once again Thanks very much for the wonderful article
It’s quit impressive. Good Work. Please keep it up.
Charles.
Very well said and done.Your ideas given will give light and inspiration to all readers and will serve as a guidance to all, in times of there daily struggles in their journey towards life.It’s actually a leadership by example. Leaders are inspirational figures who can give drive, motivation and willpower. Godbless. This is very informative, inspirational and touching.Best Regards…..
Andrew Manalo
Dubai
“These are the examples we need to read Jay, Leadership comes in many forms.
Hey Friend or Foe ,
I am really touched JK , but I have to tell you , I am flattered .Is CCP that essentially inspirational advocate of marketing to a exceptional level of exasperation . Is this a true and honestly a clairvoyance of you , or is this just another one of the get rich scams for the undeveloped marketer ? I gander at what this is meant to be , or is it something of fellow usefulness .What eloquence of desire is offered here to the undeveloped marketer ?
I am very skeptical, with the number of followers you have is there still enough to go around? I think not , but I have been made a believer before . I have strung my credit card across the net and have come up empty handed . But it s not my fault,I will admit it ,I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MARKET ANYTHING,OBVIOUSLY ,OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN PROSPERING BY NOW .I have know snarls with you JK ,but I really am skeptical here ,again I am just not overwhelmed with your story .
Thanks for sharing with us,you are really a leader with a example
You article helped me reflect on how being a leader is an inside job. I believe it is important to renew one’s commitment to themselves to ACT as a leader each day ( at least). “Act as if to be as if.” And of course, if one expendes too much energy repelling those that are not their cheerleaders…loose them!!