My mentor Barb walked to work, community and social events. When in need of wheels, she rode her bicycle or asked friends for a ride. She chose not to buy a car because she believed every car not on the road helped the planet. On her backpack was a sticker that read, “Live simply that others may simply live.”
In group settings she decenters herself, inviting others’ ideas and giving praise freely and publicly. She has strong opinions, but never lets them overpower her willingness to listen, to inquire, to reflect on a point of view different from her own.
Barb was the first person to mention President Carter’s leadership style to me. She recounted the famous story of him carrying his own luggage into the White House, which resonated strongly with us both. That was the beginning of my fascination with leadership as a study, and leaders like President Carter, Dr King, and Barb, as the foundation of my admiration for great leaders.
Over the years I have, like all of us, watched a huge array of leaders impact my life and the lives of others. I stood in crowded New York streets as Nelson Mandel was heralded a hero soon after his release from prison. I’ve watched athletes, musicians, fire fighters, my mother, all demonstrate their leadership in ways that informed me, inspired me, incited me, and most importantly, caused me to reflect on myself.
Next week, we will observe our national day of remembrance for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a time to honor the ideals he championed and the profound legacy he left behind. For me, this day is more than a pause for reflection—it's an invitation to look deeply into the mirror and ask: Who am I? What choices am I making, and why?
I invite you to, rather than just having a day off, to build in time for real reflection. It’s easy, especially in today’s braggadocious world, to think of leadership as “bigger than life”, “having it all” or “power wielding”. Regardless of what’s popular, what qualities resonate with you? Think about the messages you receive, ingest, and potentially even send, about what constitutes great leadership. Who have been the most influential people in your life? What did they do to positively affect you? How can you bring forward some of those lessons as you engage in relationships of your own?
The qualities that make great leaders timeless are not always the loudest or most celebrated in the moment. Yet, they are the most transformative.
Timeless Qualities of Great Leadership
In today’s world, we can choose to be anything we want. Pause for a moment and reflect on how powerful—and humbling—that truth is. Each day we are presented with opportunities to lead, to connect, and to leave a positive imprint. The questions are:
What kind of leader do you choose to be?
How do you convey that choice to others, in words and deeds?
Before you make your next social media post, send your next email, or interact with your neighbors near and far, remember these powerful words from Dr. King:
“Keep feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be the first in love. I want you to be the first in moral excellence. I want you to be the first in generosity.”
As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, let this be a moment to not only reflect but to act. Reflect on the qualities that you want to embody as a leader. Commit to actions that align with those values. Start with these simple yet profound practices:
Together, we can honor the greatness of Dr. King’s legacy by choosing to lead with service, giving more than we demand, and filled with generosity of spirit.
DeEtta