Here’s the email thought I wrote to Leadership Reno County alumni today (1/27/14):
It’s been said that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” What this is saying is that sometimes it’s difficult to adapt or (*scary word coming*) change. Most of us change all the time, though. Sure we have staple menu items we like, but we also like to try something new (didn’t we Pin 100 new things yesterday). When it comes to ourselves, we think we’re progressive. Those of us who swore years ago we’d never have a cell phone suddenly can’t get enough of our Jitterbug. We change. Part of the personal challenge comes when change doesn’t happen in others the way we’d like to see it happen.
And, this process of change (or rather changing others to be precise) is precisely why we engage in an act of leadership. Leadership is mobilizing people to do difficult work. Leadership may include mobilizing people to change. It starts with you and engages others. It’s purposeful. And, it’s risky. So, today, as your heart is possibly growing faint with the lack of change you’d hoped would be so prevalent in the New Year, recommit yourself to this amazing work. You can keep the change. You can engage in act of leadership. What would that be for you? Pursue a step in that direction today and see if it doesn’t help us work together for the common good of our community.