Ottawa is a town where leadership matters. It is also a town where a lot of ink is spilled on the subject. It is the Nation’s Capital, after all, and our future depends on it. Usually, it goes something like this…
We need more leaders, better leaders, leaders with a clearer vision. We need stronger leaders, younger leaders, leadership that welcomes diversity. We need leaders who lead instead of follow, and we need leaders that listen more than they talk. We need leaders with integrity who take leadership seriously. We need leaders who respect the system and we need leaders who want to change it. We need - it would seem - to be led.
But leadership isn’t a result or a position. It is a state of being. It shouldn’t be what we expect of others, but instead, what we expect of ourselves. Take a look at How to be a Leader, by blogger Gala Darling, and consider how these fundamental principles might apply to you.
1. Have a vision
2. Be prepared to make tough decisions
3. Set an example
4. Understand people
5. Persevere
6. Be positive
Gala Darling is a fabulously interesting, fantastically bold, first-rate fashionista from Australia whose blog iCiNG – Galadarling.com offers advice and encouragement about feeling good, looking good and becoming a better person. She is truly unique and engaging, without being clichéd, and is a stunning example of someone with genuine real life personal style.
I’ve been reading Gala almost for almost a year now, and never cease to be been amazed, delighted and inspired. She is transparent about her dreams and her challenges, and shares her optimism with fans from all around the world. Gala’s weekly “Carousel” is an astounding compendium of super-cool weblinks, tidbits, and insights that keeps me clicking, laughing and learning. Her “Things I love Thursdays” is a narrative on gratitude that is both smart and delightful, and her current series of posts documenting an extended stay in New York City provide a fascinating peek into the life of an empowered individual thriving in today’s digital age.
Mostly though, her blog is just downright positive. It’s a daily dose of smiles and encouragement. No cranky cynicism, no whining and no “poor me” from Gala.
She motivates her readers with her honesty and unwavering enthusiasm, and helps them to change themselves, their relationships, and their lives for the better. Gala has set a great example and hasn’t waited to be led. Instead, she has found a way to make her unique contribution, envisioned a rewarding and productive lifestyle for herself, and taken the necessary steps to create it – completely on her own terms.
In her own cheeky way, Gala makes a difference. This, to me, is leadership.
