For many of us, Saturday was a joyous day. From early morning banging of pots and pans to backyard bottles of champagne to dancing in the streets, we celebrated and exhaled.
At the same time, the election was a sobering reminder of how divided we are as a nation. For each cheer of joy, there was a corresponding sentiment of despair.
These strong reactions to the election, as well as incredible voter turnout, make clear that leadership is important to us. We want leaders who embody our values, who give us hope for a better future, and who make us feel seen.
We want leaders who embody our values, who give us hope for a better future, and who make us feel seen.
Regardless of our differences, this is a historic moment for women as well as for the beauty and strength of America’s diversity. In January, we will see our first female, first black, and first South Asian vice president. Kamala Harris has ignited a sense of possibility and pride. The future is female. The future is multicultural. The future looks like us.
But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last.
Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.
And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they’ve never seen it before.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris
We will never heal our division as a country if we expect all the work to come from our elected officials – no matter who they are. That is why it’s so important that each little girl and each little boy grows up believing in their power.
How about you? Are you choosing to embrace and exercise your power to make the world a little better, a little kinder, and a little more united? We need people just like me and you – everyday leaders – who recognize the important role we can play regardless of our title, role, or political party.
What is everyday leadership?
- Most importantly, everyday leadership is about how we show up and how we treat others. My big 5: authenticity, generosity, compassion, curiosity and joy.
- Everyday leadership is about believing in the value and potential of each person.
- Everyday leadership is about standing up for what is right and doing so with courage and vulnerability.
- Everyday leadership is about recognizing our common values and goals, rather than focusing on what divides us.
- Everyday leadership is about believing in the importance of multiple voices and seeking viewpoints that are different than our own.
- Everyday leadership is about optimism, which to me means having a vision of a better future and knowing that we have the power to move us in the right direction.
- Everyday leadership is about approaching each day as an opportunity to dig deep into our values and “why.”
- Everyday leadership is about asking a lot of questions and acknowledging what we don’t know.
- Everyday leadership is about leading by example, which includes prioritizing our own growth, health, and happiness.
Great post Sharon,. I especially love the closing:
‘Everyday leadership is about leading by example, which includes prioritizing our own growth, health, and happiness.’
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to write this leadership blog for us. 🙏🏻 If we don’t take care of ourselves first, we can’t help anyone else. You are right!
Thank YOU, Lindsay, for taking the time to read and respond. It means so much to me. And, I had a feeling you’d like the part about taking care of ourselves. 🙂 xoxo
I love this! Such an awesome reminder of how to show up and treat others & ourselves 💚
Thank you, Julie💚 You don’t need a reminder – you live this way each day. xoxo