Humility, Humanity, and Hope: Character Traits Imperative for Resonant Leadership
When I think about leaders who have embodied safe space - space where we hold each other's dignity as closely as our own. Leaders who had the innate understanding that civil environments promote reflection, learning, problem solving, humility, humanity, and hope; two names come to mind, The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Francis Kennedy.
This day, June 5th, marks the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Robert Kennedy.
Today I sit in wonder - Where are the Bobby Kennedy's and Martin Luther King, Jr's of today? Don't we need leaders who create communities that listen, love and care about each other, that are united in our belief that each of us is equally worthy of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
Two quotes that I carry with me to remind myself that the time to do what is right is right now.
"Each time a man stand up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." - Robert F. Kennedy
"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in." - Reverend Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.
These are powerful statements. The kind that never become obsolete and are necessary reminders for our human awareness and growth.
The best leaders are ones with great heart for the people they represent. Those that see each individual and deeply cares about every life. Those who breath humility, cultivate humanity, and hold a blanket of hope.
We need to share more of our hearts. We need to listen with generosity rather than judgment. We need to see ourselves, the essence of our spirits in those we are tempted to other. We need leaders who embody humility, humanity, and hope.
We need each other...
It is the only path to a greater nation, better world, and brighter future.
May we know each other, walk in peace, and
Shine On,
Lori