Everyday Leadership

Do you see yourself as a leader? Many of us are leaders by nature of our work or affiliations. Leadership opportunities occur at many moments each day. Sometimes we take advantage of them, sometimes we don't, and sometimes we exhibit leadership in unexpected ways.

Over the years, I have had several trainings on leadership. These opportunities have helped me define my own style of leadership, think differently as I approach many situations, and not to sit on the sidelines. One of my favorite leadership books shared with me is "The Leadership Moment," which outlines nine true stories and reminds me how each of us can be leaders in our everyday lives.

At a recent Women's Fund event, Ann Murtlow, Women's Fund Advisory Board Vice Chair and community leader, said something to the effect of "strong women make strong families, and strong families make strong communities." While our community needs leadership in board rooms, companies, and classrooms, we also need it in our homes and within our families. Women are often the pillar of their family, so it is necessary for us to see the issues women face as important to the success of our entire community.

Women's Fund is providing leadership for women and girls in our community not only by bringing to light the issues they face, but by providing funding to effective nonprofits addressing these issues. Women's Fund has granted to John H. Boner, Concord, and Hawthorne Community Centers, for example. This funding has helped with services such as high-quality childcare and job coaching primarily for low-income families in the neighborhoods they serve.

How are you using leadership opportunities each day? What are you teaching others? How are you using these opportunities to make our community a better place?