A tribute to the true leaders

Do you have a story you heard from a friend or family member that continually impacts your life?
 
What is it and who have you shared it with lately?
 
As we reflect this coming memorial day on so many people that have authentically given themselves as true leaders for our country, justice and what they value I was reminded about another reason to grow in authenticity as a leader and why it is what I consider it to be one of the most powerful qualities of a leader.
 
Know anyone that has served and given so much to protect and defend their country?
 
My grandfather comes to mind. He was a Seabee in the Navy and went into foreign territory to prepare bridges and roads before anyone else. He had to reach deep inside him to face his fears in an authentic way every day. He shares one of his experiences of a surprise attack by grenades one day and how his friend Dale, jumped on top of him immediately, no question asked but authentic instinct followed and used his life to save my grandfathers. A powerful moment in my families history. Where one man gave his life for another. My father’s middle name is Dale after our friend that used his life to spare my grandfather’s.
 
Reflecting on this story as we honor those who have served made me ask myself these few questions:
 
What do I hold as the highest value for leaders?
 
How could I grow in this value?
 
Dale acted in what I consider to be true authenticity. He had his true values together and knew in a crisis moment what his move would be. We can all learn from him and from the value’s he lived by.
 
If you want to go deeper into how to grow in authenticity here’s…
 
3 Simple Steps to growing in your Authenticity as a leader:
 
1. Start by being real with yourself. Where are you? Who are you? What are you? Be honest and answer these questions no matter how you are feeling. People know the fake. They see through the mask even when we don’t realize we are wearing one. There is a way to still be influential and struggle through things. Leaders are not perfect but perfectly aligned and aware with where they are at in life. Align yourself as you reflect.
 
2. Step into owning who you are and what you might be struggling with or winning in. Once you have pinpointed the questions from step one you have the opportunity to own that. Change it if you need to or embrace what is working for you.
 
3. Share with someone else what you’re learning about you. Simple, share. People learn the most from other’s real life experience and mistakes. The people I look up to most in my life are those that are not perfect but those that share what they are learning on the journey. There is beauty in the mess and seeing how it comes together. Start to share what you are growing in today with someone. You’ll be surprised how people connect with you in your authenticity and vulnerability.
 
As we grow together and reflect on all that has been done for us this memorial day. My hope is that this would help you grow in a few simple ways as a leader, a human and a contributor to the world.
 
Don’t forget to say thank you to someone you know that has given their life, time and energy as an authentic leader for other’s as we celebrate this weekend.
 
I hope that these Sunday Simple Steps have given you something to ponder and grow with and you reflect, relax or stop for a minute this weekend.
 
Till next week… Be Great and Live life to the fullest.
 
XOXO,
 
Camille Paterson
 
P.S. Look for the upcoming Summer Special and social media challenge. Feel free to share with a friend or have them sign up for the Simple Steps Blog Today. Thanks for being apart of our community.