Tell Me Tuesdays: What does it take to be a leader?

Yesterday morning many of us awoke to the sad news of Jack Layton’s passing. Twenty-four hours later, I continue to reflect on what this means to me. After such an inspiring life, I’m saddened that he is no longer with us. But, his health struggles and his political battles have left behind something very valuable for this generation of Canadians – a powerful example of what it takes to be a great leader.
This TMT edition brings with it my own news. This will be my last post for WWF as I leave for another opportunity in my career. All this news has been swirling around in my head. What can I continue to accomplish for the environment outside of WWF’s walls? Perhaps I can learn from Jack and try to become a leader too. I like to think I lead by example but what other leadership skills can I develop for the cause? What leadership skills are in all of us that can help the environment?
Leadership lesson I learned from Jack Layton:
A few summers ago, on an excruciatingly hot and sweaty day, my husband and I were clumsily lugging my husband’s 50lb+ keyboard through the throngs of party goers at the Taste of the Danforth Festival in Toronto. Seemingly out of nowhere, a booming voice followed us 30 feet through the crowd and encouraged us to our destination.  Jack Layton showed leadership by providing encouragement where none was expected. That is a quality I can take with me. I may be moving to the sidelines of the environmental movement, for a while anyway, but there is no reason I can’t cheer folks on from those sidelines and give them that extra push to keep them going.

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Next Week:
Tell Me Tuesdays will live on. My friend and colleague, Riannon John, will be seeking your thoughts every Tuesday going forward. So, please give her a warm welcome next week and a piece of your mind. As it is your thoughts that inspire us at WWF to do more and work smarter.