Don't Forget Your Opal Card

I never grow tired of listening to the responses of the participants within our programs. Each individuals articulation is an opportunity to add layers to my own understanding, growth and perspectives. One such response recently has really gotten under my skin and stayed with me over the past month. I find it keeps popping up as a reminder of the choice I have in front of me in any given situation.

“Leadership is action, not position.” - Donald H. McGannon

To lead or not to lead, that is the question. In any given moment that choice is available to us. A Year 5 girl summed it up beautifully the month or so ago when she said, to her leadership is like an Opal Card (transport payment card), available to use if she chooses on whichever mode of public transport she finds herself on. Bingo, I loved that she was recognising that regardless of where she finds herself she'd have access to purposeful skills, attitudes and behaviours that would assist her to most effectively navigate the challenge.

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." - John Maxwell

Maybe it will be as an encourager. Maybe it will be as an idea sharer. Maybe it will be as a courageous voice. Maybe it will be an engaged team member. The list goes on and on and on. The thing is, leadership isn't just one particular thing. But rather the use of our thoughts, words and actions, in any given moment, to make a difference in our own and/or others lives. As the first quote says, 'leadership is action, not position'.

"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born." - Warren Bennis

Just like an Opal Card leadership is open to all of us. Just like an Opal Card it's important that we recharge regularly. Just like an Opal Card we may forget to use it from time to time. Just like an Opal Card if we lose it or it stops working then we can ask for support. What connection could you make?

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." - Douglas MacArthur