Becoming a Resonant Leader

A641.9.3.RB

Compose a reflection blog in the form of a letter to yourself. In the letter, briefly state your personal vision and list at least three learning goals, three milestones for each goal, actions steps for each milestone, and list key people who will support you to achieve the learning goals.

Marco,

I hope this note finds you doing well and healthy. The purpose for this letter is to revisit an important stage in your life when you had the courage to dream big and live outside of your comfort zone by pursuing your Masters in Leadership. You made the right decision for you and your family, even though at times the sacrifice seemed large.

You have always possessed tenacity when perusing your goals, and because I know you as well as I do, I am sure that this quality remains deep in the marrow of your bones. Another important quality you possess was evident in your personal vision of making a positive impact with youth and within public service. While you have done a great job up until now, I am glad you recognized that you had more to contribute even after your service to this great nation was complete.

Pursuing your Master in Leadership was one of your major learning goals. Through this process, you learned important aspects and concepts of leadership that enhanced your ability to lead others; but most importantly you learned so much more about yourself and areas you needed to improve to become a better leader. While you have reached the milestones of being accepted into the right leadership program and making it half way through the program, you are about to embark on the final important milestone of putting what you have learned together into your capstone project. It is equally important to draw inspiration from and collaborate with those who have the greatest impact on you as you go forward. Remember, their feedback is key and because you trust these loved ones and mentors with your best interests, listen to what they have to say.

I understand that you have experienced many ups and downs in your quest to become a better leader. In order to achieve your objective of positively impacting others, you need to continuously be mindful and refine your lens. Never stop learning and growing. You can accomplish this with milestones such as additional leadership training and education. Fortunately for you, you are quick to act in matters of self-development. You have reached the milestones of attending leadership training with the Dale Carnegie Training organization and with incorporating meditation into your daily life, which has brought on the benefits of mindfulness and peace. I implore you to further pursue your growth with other organizations such as the Center for Creative Leadership. You have had you eye on attending one or multiple programs with this organization, regardless of cost and time, make the investment to expand your leadership abilities. You have take the right steps in creating an action plan, I want to ensure you follow through with where your passion leads you.

One of the most important take-aways from your leadership program is the value and benefits of healthy relationships. I am aware of the apprehension you have about people and their need to fulfill their own self-interests; I was there with you remember. You inevitably came to the conclusion that helping others is a calling you have had throughout your life. Take it upon yourself to shed any fears and open yourself to others as they will need you to deliver on your commitment. You learned that leading with compassion was a new concept that really spoke to you. Learn more about this process, refine it, and employ it where you need it. This is one milestone worth the journey. Another milestone is to continue using the Intentional Change Theory that help you identify your ideal self and real self. The action steps you developed from this has been positive. Thus, I am sure that it will continue to help you at any stage you may be at. Another milestone would be to expand your circle of influence by creating new and meaningful relationships. There is obviously no set number in relationships, but focus on the meaningfulness and how they influence you. Reciprocate this influence and reach out to others with mindfulness and compassion. Just remember you would not be where you are now if someone didn’t do it with you.

Surrounding yourself with good people has always been one of your mantras. Continue to do so. Your family has redefined who you are and has become your center of gravity. Honor this and cherish it; give your family the attention it needs as they will provide the balance necessary while leading others. You have learned the consequences of living out of balance; the hardships that sacrifice syndrome and dissonance has on you and those around you. There is no amount of money or privileges worth traveling down that road again. You have worked hard to reestablish resonance within yourself, keep working on it. Take time for renewal and value the internal peace it provides. Most importantly, share this with your family. They deserve it.

My best wishes,

Marco