It's probably fair to say that many of us have been thrust into a heightened state of socio-political awareness in the last 18 months or so. And while some folks might have memories of an even more tumultuous time in our country's history, the experience of the last two years has been a first for me...And if I'm honest, it has come with some conflicting feelings and many questions about this "land I love."
Around this time every year, I typically find myself super geeked up for The Fourth. I usually roll through Target and clean out their holiday-inspired dollar section (Why does Target get me every. single. time??!), then swing by Old Navy and buy the whole fam flag tees, research local firework shows and get ready for a full-fledged barbecue-accompanied day of freedom...cause...'Merica.
This year, however, I've found myself a lot less inspired to do those things...a lot less excited about the holiday in general. And while this is not intended to be a political post, our country's political leaders have a lot to do with my lack of fervor. Namely, the recent news of how our leaders have handled the enforcement of our immigration laws has left me very disillusioned. In a recent letter to my senator, I expressed this frustration and implored him to step up and lean into a leadership characteristic I think we tend to undervalue: creativity.
Often times, we tend to think there is only one right way to do something. We find ourselves in these situations where we make solutions mutually exclusive, far right or far left. I've done it too--forced a situation into my right way and someone else's wrong way. It's an easy path to follow. But I think truly gifted leaders operate with some general mindsets that allow them to get out of their own way and be creative:
Time for ideation. Creative leaders proactively carve out space in their schedules to dream BIG. They take time with their team to open up the floor for other people's ideas and truly consider them, even layering ideas and combining parts of ideas for the best outcome.
Courage to be different. Gifted leaders keep fear in check and the goal in mind. They operate with a "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" mentality, forcing themselves and inspiring those around them to think outside the box.
Asset-based. They have a fundamental belief that there are many ways, not just one. They find ways to win because they know they can. There's no ceiling for them. These leaders think that they and their team have or can develop what it takes to eventually win.
So today, while I'm not decked out in red, white and blue, and my plans for the afternoon are far less festive than normal, I'm still very thankful to live in a country where we can all use our voices to stand up for what we believe, and ask our elected officials to be the leaders we need them to be. This is a right we should all exercise, as it is also our duty.
As you reflect on Independence Day and all our rights and responsibilities as free citizens, I hope you will localize your reflection to how you are leading in your community of faith, neighborhood, or workplace. Are you falling into the trap of quick fixes and one-sided solutions? Or are you creating results and generating ideas that bring meaning to your space? How is your creativity or lack thereof impacting those who look to you for dynamic, impactful leadership? What's rolling down your hill?
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