Sonia McDonald* says people may feel helpless as global events seem to whirl past them, but with the right vision, mindset and leadership approach it’s possible to take charge and change the world.
Throughout time, individuals have created change in significant ways.
For example, Mahatma Gandhi was a leader who brought justice and harmony between people of dufferent faiths.
Right now, with the challenges we are facing in Australia and globally with the economy, jobs, sustainability etc., you have an opportunity to make a difference.
The starting point to any change process is you and by looking beyond ourselves to the needs of others, we have the potential to have an impact through a ripple effect.
For example, if you shared insights from this article with 20 people and encouraged them to share with six others, who could then share with six other people, consider the number of people this could impact.
I have observed this exciting change process taking place and the results it can have on a bigger scale.
You have an opportunity to be a part of a global process that could change the course of history by seeing yourself as part of a global community.
By having a visionary, leadership approach and the right mindset that projects us beyond political timeframes, we will create a sustainable outcome for generations to come.
Demonstrating globally responsible leadership should be a top priority.
To adopt a leadership approach for global responsibility, it is important to go beyond merely setting a vision and goals.
The central focus should be around commitment to globally responsible decision-making, stakeholder engagement and alliances and development of a globally responsible mindset.
Each and everyone one of us has the ability to create an impact globally though this purpose.
Consider a cause that you would like to become involved in that is greater than you.
This will open up an exciting opportunity for you to lead, communicate, inspire and involve others across barriers of language, culture and communications.
The opportunity is available now for you to make a difference and alter the course of history by leading the change process.
As Martin Luther King Jr said: “No work is insignificant.
“All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
Senior business executive, Jon Clever gives some sage advice in his article titled Leadership is a Marathon not a Sprint.
He points out simply setting a goal of competing in a marathon isn’t specific enough.
“Devise a plan to achieve your goal and how that contributes to the larger goal; be agile in your approach as sticking to a plan which is not working is madness,” Clever says.
“Apply lots of hard work and determination to things in your control.”
He says there is far too much focus spent on things outside of our control creating obstacles than there is actually knuckling down and tackling the hard problems early.
“This is a lot about the attitude of you and your team and your commitment to getting things done relentlessly.”
I know we can make a difference by being kind and courageous and creating a movement around this.
There are lots of great leaders out there and we need to share their stories and celebrate their leadership.
This is why we are working very hard to inspire everyone to change – we need more kind and courageous leaders.
We need our children to see that as fast as the world is changing and as scary it seems, that we are all human and there is hope.
It takes kindness, leadership and courage. It only takes one act of intentional kindness and courage to make a difference.
*Sonia McDonald is the Chief Executive and founder of Brisbane-based LeadershipHQ and McDonald Inc. She can be contacted at soniamcdonald.com.au
This article first appeared on LinkedIn.
