Can you give me an example?

I love listening to the lived experience of leaders. It’s definitely an adventure when we purposefully use our daily thoughts, words and actions to make a difference in our own and others lives. It’s so inspiring to hear about all the ripples being created through a particular individuals and/or groups efforts. And of course hear about what passion, energy and courage lies beneath all of that.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what type of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

The other week I got to spend a day facilitating at a new client school. What was really fun was that the Assistant Principal had organised for this years elected leaders (Year 6) to learn beside the whole Year 5 cohort (105 students) on the day. This opened up the privilege of chatting to the elected leaders about their experiences so far this year. What they shared at different times throughout the day summed up beautifully the full spectrum of our learning and leadership journeys.

“It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs.” – Jillian Michaels

Many spoke about how at the beginning of the year leading things like assemblies was challenging, but as they did it more often and realised they could support each other it got easier. One girl spoke about how a challenge was other peoples expectations of them as they navigated the year, like if they made a mistake another student might remark, ‘Aren’t you meant to be a leader?’ Others shared how much of their time they had to commit to meeting, planning and preparing for various roles and responsibilities that they had, but overall they were glad they were doing it. But it was one boy’s story in particular that became a powerful connection on the day about how we can bring about change wherever we may find ourselves.

“I want to make a difference with people who want to make a difference, doing something that makes a difference.” – John C. Maxwell

This Year 6 boy is ranked highly in Australia in skateboarding and was so clearly passionate about it as he spoke. He started thinking at the beginning of the year that others might enjoy and get something out of the activity as well, so he took the time to research it further so he could take a proposal to the school. He was able to, through negotiation, have skateboarding added to the list of sports the school does, with the response being really positive so far from both students and teachers. It was a powerful reminder to himself, and others, that if you care about something deeply, and the ripples created by your efforts will make a difference in your own and others journeys of potential, then the daily thoughts, words and actions involved to bring about change are most definitely worth it.

“Leadership is no longer about your position. It’s now more about your passion for excellence and making a difference. You can lead without a title.” – Robin Sharma

This boy, just like the other elected leaders at the school, didn’t need a badge to be able to lead. The position may open up opportunities but it’s what we do that brings leadership to life (‘leadership is action, not position’ – Donald H McGannon). This is why I love being involved in the development of leadership potential within Primary School settings. It’s inspiring how many school communities are looking at how they can empower their student cohorts through exploring, practicing and celebrating the purposeful skills, attitudes and behaviours of being a leader. Below is the feedback we received from the Assistant Principal on that day. Thank you for the opportunity to help make leadership real at your school, we look forward to again supporting you soon.

“From the moment Cameron started the program our students were engaged. He shared a clear message about what it takes to be a leader and showed our students that they all have the potential to lead. Thanks for a fantastic day!”