COLUMN: Taking a Stand
There are many forces at work that would destroy all that is good about our culture and our nation. As has been discussed in earlier columns, many are working tirelessly “behind the scenes,” as it were, to undermine our Constitution and deprive us of our liberty. We are constantly bombarded with vulgarity, immorality and profanity. We are being led to believe there are no moral absolutes. The institution of the family, which is the bedrock of society, is being attacked constantly from many angles. Those who express their belief in God are ridiculed and criticized. In short, there are those in society who mock, degrade and tear down all that is good and true.
With all that is going on, it is easy to get discouraged if we are not careful. We may wonder if just one individual really can make a difference. We may be tempted to retreat into a corner, seek our own comfort and do nothing.
Discouragement is our worst enemy. There is much that is good and worth fighting for. It is not too late to act. Our Constitution can be saved, and the freedoms it protects can be preserved. Truth and decency can be taught and defended. The family can be strengthened, beginning with our own. Each individual can take a stand, push against the system and make a difference.
Each of us has the capacity to become a leader in a cause in which we believe. Throughout history, it has been the true leaders who have made a difference in their world, despite great odds and opposition. Today, our society desperately needs leaders who are willing to take a stand.
In their best-selling book, “Launching a Leadership Revolution,” authors Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward discuss what it means to be a leader. They discuss the qualities a leader needs to develop and how a leader needs to think and act in order to be successful. According to these authors, “Fundamental changes are wrought because somewhere, somehow, for some reason, someone provided leadership. One person can decide to lead. One person can make a difference. One person leading does make a difference.”
What, then, is leadership? In their book, Brady and Woodward state, “Leadership is the influence of others in a productive, vision-driven direction and is done through the example, conviction, and character of the leader.”
As noted above, influence is an essential component of leadership. The aspiring leader needs to be able to draw others to his or her cause. The leader then needs to inspire them to work together as a team to reach a desired goal.
When striving to lead and make a difference, each of us must begin with ourselves. We must strive to become people of character and integrity. Brady and Woodward state, “Integrity can be considered as the condition of ‘not doing what’s wrong.’ Character can be defined as doing the right thing, for the mere reason that it is the right thing, even if that thing is difficult and unpopular. The two sewn together make honor.”
To be a leader, one must be motivated. There are three levels of motivation: material success; recognition and respect; and purpose, destiny and legacy. In order to be a truly successful leader, we must ultimately be motivated with the desire to fulfill our purpose in this life and leave a legacy for those who follow. This motivation will help us rise above the challenges and trials we will face on our fight to improve the world around us.
Those who desire to lead must constantly be learning. Abilities must be gained, and skills must be sharpened. One must learn about the cause in which they are engaged and constantly strive to understand responsibilities. Leaders must constantly learn how to understand and deal with people, and how to influence them for good.
Each leader must continue moving forward on their journey, constantly pursuing their purpose. “Launching a Leadership Revolution” cautions, “Remember, a leader takes people somewhere. The moment the leader is not moving, the leader is not leading.”
As a leader progresses in ability and influence, they will be able to use their skills to develop other leaders. If properly led through the path that creates leaders, the new leaders will, in turn, develop other leaders. Each leader must strive to reach the point at which they can develop leaders who develop leaders. This is what truly will make a difference and cause the group’s influence to spread and be a great force for good.
Each of us has a bright future ahead of us. There will be clouds and obstacles, but in fighting our challenges, we will grow. It is up to each of us to decide, today, to take a stand, make a difference and develop our capacity to lead. If we do, we will be able to leave our world better than we have found it.
Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.edu