By Beth McGough, Marketing Manager
“Those who lead, inspire us…we follow those that lead not because we have to but because we want to. We follow those that lead not for them, but for ourselves.”
-Simon Sinek
What do Malala Yousafzai, Maya Angelou, and Jane Goodall have in common? They lead from a place of deep belief and vision. Whether it is belief in the betterment of the world or personal growth, these women inspire action.
How do you inspire your colleagues? How do you inspire your library users?
Inspiring leaders are:
- Optimistic
- Curious
- Good listeners
- Enthusiastic
- Trustworthy
- Believe in a cause
Embodying these characteristics will bring out the best in your employees, colleagues, and library users. But, it is not easy to be inspiring every day.
Let these leaders inspire you to be inspiring:
Malala Yousafzai
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai believes in a powerful message, “Books not Bullets.” Before returning to Oslo a year after accepting the Nobel Peace Prize she remarked in a speech, “The reality is I am one of these girls who has been denied an education. But there is something significant which makes my story special: you.” With courage and passion behind her, she has made a call for people and governments to choose “books and bright futures” over “bombs and bullets.”
Maya Angelou
Author, poet, philosopher, Maya Angelou was all of these things and so much more. Her deep wisdom has touched millions. In her writing and speeches she calls for optimism, overcoming adversity, and positively influencing the lives of others. Perhaps these few words personify how she has inspired millions:
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
-Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou
Dr. Jane Goodall
Primatologist Jane Goodall opened up the mysterious world of chimpanzees more than forty years ago. Today she works to save endangered species, particularly chimpanzees. In the movie Racing Extinction, she declares, “There is still a lot worth fighting for.” Her undying optimism for the future of endangered species inspires others to join her cause. Her Roots & Shoots program encourages youth, from preschool to college, to take action for a better world.
Channel your inspiration with a custom-designed journal
If you are attending ALA Midwinter visit ProQuest booth 1313 and Ex Libris booth 1343. Receive a card and complete two simple activities for a Be Inspiring journal. Learn more and find out how you can also get a free poster at ALA Midwinter.
Sources
Three Common Traits of Inspirational Leaders, Rhett Power, INC
The 7 Secrets of Inspiring Leaders, Carmine Gallo, Forbes
Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action, TED Talk
10 Leadership Lessons from Inspiring Leaders in History, Etienne, Lifehack
12 Inspiring Life Lessons from Maya Angelou, Chris Haigh, Lifehack
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