The Quiet Leader
Behind my house is a park with a sidewalk that winds around the inside perimeter. I have the blessing of working from home with a corner view of this beautiful park and our green and red rock mountains providing a spectacular backdrop.
Every morning as I look out my window almost without failure I watch a tall 90-year-old something man hunched over making his way slowly, but determined, around the perimeter of the park. Some times his wife joins him with her walker side by side in a slow seasoned and loving stride.
I call this 90-year-old something man my quiet leader. He inspires me to not make excuses why I can’t exercise today. He inspires me to not dread my sunset years. He inspires me as a husband to realize that lasting relationships are the gold dust of life.
He leads by example without saying a word. My quiet leader has had an important impact on my life, and he doesn’t even know it.
A good example has twice the value of good advice. ~ Unknown
I believe there are thousands of quiet leaders in our lives. We have the opportunity to be a quiet leader as well. And just like this 90-year-old something gentleman, we may not even know the full impact we are having on people.
I have realized in my own life that people are always watching. This has been especially true in my own home. What I do has more of an impact on others than what I say. And what I do, even when no one is watching, has a greater impact on me as a person.
Who are your quiet leaders? I would love to hear about them. Please share by commenting below.
Related Posts you Might Like:
3 Critical Ways to Teach Leadership at Home
Anyone can be a Leader – Powerful Video
One by One Leadership/Everyday Leadership – Great Video
We would love it if you would share our posts or blog with your friends. Please “Like” us, “Google Plus” us, “Tweet” us, “Pin” us, “LinkedIn” us or do all five with us! Thanks friends!
Become one of our Loved Teamwork and Leadership Fans on Facebook. Click Here.
Follow Mike on Twitter! Click Here.
I’ve had many similar 90-something year olds who are currently and have passed through my life from my father, aunts and uncles, fellow parisheners, etc. The key is to be open to the lessons they have to teach. My Dad lived by example and taught that at every turn. They have weathered much in their lifetimes and by their example share their faith, love, resilience, acceptance and so much more. I’m grateful for every day I had with Dad. My Mom is also a great teacher by example although she often hands out sage advice as well. Every day is a gift. We just need to open each present with awe and acceptance!
Thanks for your comments Francesca. I have had many of those same quiet leaders in my life. And advice is okay as well ; ) Especially from mom.
Thanks for sharing. I know one of those too and think the same
What an article kind of makes you sit back and think about the influences that are the quiet ones in life. We all have them and the ones who are the influencers never know the impact they have had