Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Leadership and You!

Do you have a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference? If so, you are like many parents, educators, and advocates I know. You wake up everyday and after a good night's sleep, you are ready, to move forward and take on both new and persistent challenges.

Unfortunately, many of you were not able to get that good night's sleep. You tossed and turned and searched for answers. Before you knew it, it was 7 am and you were being asked to step it up a notch! At such times, it is normal to demand the same of the young people in our lives and it normal to encounter resistance!

I know how hard it is to make a dent in the many challenges before us. Many times, we are tempted to give up and throw up our hands up in despair. At such times, we need to remember our own strengths and to "find and to tend to our own gardens," as Nelson Mandela has advised. We need to pause and reflect.

In reflecting you are being asked to remember that you have what it takes to become a great leader and to make a difference in the lives of those young people who are determined to do it their way! You and all great leaders need to spend some time alone and to take in a bit of inspiration every now and then. Afterall, leadership is a marathon, not a sprint!

I started this blog and developed my website to empower parents, educators and advocates who wish to inspire youth with learning differences to step up and stand out. I focus attention on these parents, teachers and advocates, knowing that when they become active and engaged in pursuing their own dreams, young people are eager to follow in their footsteps.

I learned through my own failures, that the key to becoming an effective leader is not to focus on making other people follow, but on making yourself the kind of person they want to follow. You must become someone others can trust to take them where they want to go.

If you are needing a bit of inspiration, right now, please click on the link below and reflect.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Mom, She's Solid as a Rock!

Rose Gray, my mom, was a force to be reckoned with. She stood tall and was no shrinking violet when it came to raising my sister, brother and I. She was opininated and passionate. She loved to dance and sing and delighted in being a Mom. She shared our joys and sorrows and was quick to offer encouragement and to help us learn from our mistakes. We always knew what to expect and we could count on her for unconditional love through our trials and tribulations.

She had high hopes, dreamed, planned and took action with vigor. When she came into a room, you noticed a woman who was sure footed. She walked with confidence, with a smile on her face and you knew almost immediately that her family was very important to her. She knew where she was going and what was next on her agenda. Not only was my Mom, solid as a Rock, she modeled rock solid leadership.

When, I came upon this book and movie, I remembered my Mom and the legacy she left me. She led by example and was a great role model.

Rock Solid Leadership is a beautifully designed book and movie with great stories to engage your mind and your heart. These stories offer insights and inspiration on ten principles of leadership that include long term vision, discipline, and enthusiasm.

Enjoy this 3 minute movie and be inspired to be your best, like my Mom!




What will your children remember about you? What legacy do you want to leave behind?