I just wanted to share a clip from youtube that moved me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diccc7je8tg

-How these unique men and women are changing the world

I really enjoyed this article. Here are some of my favorite parts:

Young & Rubicam Brand's CEO, Ann Fudge says, "All of us have a spark of leadership in us, whether it is in business, in government, or as a nonprofit volunteer. The chllenge is to understand ourselves well enough to discover where we can use our leadership gifts to serve others." "We're here for something. Life is about giving and living fully."

Authentic leaders know who they are. They are "good in their skin," so they don't feel a need to impress or please others. They not only inspire those around them, they bring people together around a shared purpose and a common set of values and motivate them to create value for everyone involved. Authentic leaders know the "true north' of their moral compass and are prepared to stay the course despite challenges and disappointments. They are more concerned about serving others than they are about their own success and recognition.

They demonstrate these five traits:
1. Pursuing their purpose with passion
2. Practicig solid values
3. Establishing connected relationships
5. Demonstrating self-discipline

The values of authentic leaders are shaped by their personal beliefs and developed through introspection, consultation with others, and years of experience. The test of authientic leaders; values is not what they say but how they act under pressure. If leaders aren't true to the values the profess, the trust is broken and not easily regained.

Authentic leaders also know that competing successfully takes a consistenly high level of self-discipline.

Teddy Roosevelt said, "in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood..who knows great enthusiasms, the dreat devotions.knows in the end the triumph of high achievement" that can coe only by "daring greatly"
Wendy Kopp founded Teach For America, a secondary eduational program.

Honorees were selected by the following criteria:

Sets direction (25%)
-By building a shared sense of purpose
-By setting out to make a positive social impact
-By implementing innovative strategies
Achieves Results (50%)
-Of significant breadth or depth
-That have a positive social impact
-That are sustainable
-That exceed expectations
Cultivates a Culture of Growth (25%)
By communicating and embodying positive core values
By inspiring others to lead

....to be continues after I eat dinner, go to two halloween parties and spend the wkend at a lakehouse, and fly to TX for a babysitting gig.