Life is about learning. Every day, we have the opportunity to learn more about the world in which we live and more importantly, about ourselves. I have come to understand that our success in life is not about the things we accumulate, but about the impact we make. No one will remember us by how big of a house we live in, the type of car we drive or the money we have in our bank account. They will remember the impact we had on them.
I believe our personal impact starts with us “seeing” the things that need to be done. We often overlook the needs of others that are right in front of us because we are consumed by what we want or what we need. So, I approach the “needs” that I see with two questions. The first one is “What if?” What if something was done to change that situation or circumstance for the good? The next question I ask is “Why not me?” If something is to be done, then maybe I am the person to do something about it. Too many times we look for someone else to come up with the solution when in fact we may be that “someone.”
I think about how we started The Indy Far East magazine project. It was apparent that the narrative about the far eastside throughout the city was a negative one. Crime and poverty permeated the media airwaves whenever there was a mention of the far eastside, but I knew there was so much more going on. There were so many good people doing great things to make our communities better for everyone. But no one was telling that “better story,” or at least it wasn’t being promoted on a consistent basis. So we decided that if no one is going to tell these positive stories, then we would. After that I began to talk to people and build a team that would be able to impact our far eastside communities for good. What started out with one person recognizing the need and embracing the challenge to do something about it, the ninth edition of “The Indy Far East” magazine was just published and distributed in January.
So, what have I learned as a leader? First of all, I did not seek to be a leader but for some reason, I was always identified as one. Senior Class President at my high school, President of my fraternity, Elder at my former church, and the opportunities kept coming. Not because I was something special, but because I was willing to lead, or I like to see it this way; willing to drive.
I want to give you all this analogy. I see your path to success as a car. You are ultimately
responsible for driving that car to the destination you seek. But you cannot go on the trip alone. Every leader understands that you have to have people in the car with you if you are going to accomplish your goals. Let’s look at who should and who shouldn’t be in the car with you (you can’t just let anyone in your car).
I have come to understand that there are four types of people, and you need to know who they are if they are in “the car” with you. First, there are drivers, these are the people that will share your vision and help you drive to the desired destination. Then there are passengers, people
who will come along for the ride and help you when you ask them and provide direction. After that there are hitchhikers, people who want to get in your car, but only until they get to where they want to go and then they will hop out. Finally, some people are carjackers who will fight you for your idea, with the intent of taking it in a totally different direction. As a leader, if you are to protect your future and your impact, you must make sure that you only allow the right people in your car. The impact you make will depend on it.