I wonder how many people write about leadership? I guess it depends on how much they think about it. For me lately, it's all the time, like an obsessed teenager. Do you like the boots? And all the pink?! Ha! Somehow it works, right? For this post it will, trust me on that one...
When I write in my personal journal, I free lance. Anything and everything comes out in it's rawest form. Of course on a public space like this, raw isn't the way to go, it needs to be pampered and prepped. But I'de just like to to say, this one is personal and that's a good thing ;)
To be lead by a great leader is an amazing feeling. Once I realized how much this teacher (that I am going to be talking about) meant to me and just how good she is at leading a group, I went from mediocre thanks to absolute awe. Perhaps my emotions are enhanced by my age, but nevertheless, I am surrounded by very influential people that I feel so very connected with. There's a reason for that, they love and support me and I look up to them way too much.
When I write in my personal journal, I free lance. Anything and everything comes out in it's rawest form. Of course on a public space like this, raw isn't the way to go, it needs to be pampered and prepped. But I'de just like to to say, this one is personal and that's a good thing ;)
To be lead by a great leader is an amazing feeling. Once I realized how much this teacher (that I am going to be talking about) meant to me and just how good she is at leading a group, I went from mediocre thanks to absolute awe. Perhaps my emotions are enhanced by my age, but nevertheless, I am surrounded by very influential people that I feel so very connected with. There's a reason for that, they love and support me and I look up to them way too much.
When I was younger, or as kids like to say; 'when I was little', I thought that confident people had it all figured out. I felt intimidated by people that I thought were perfect, had their flow, could carry a conversation and were leaders. Wait a second, I still do get intimidated by those kind of people. It's hard not to. At least now I know what I'm looking at. I'm not looking at perfection at every angle, I'm looking at a person that has his/her flaws and that has worked hard to become a leader. Truthfully, it's that love and dedication that empowers me.
We all struggle when it comes to bringing a group of people together to create something. It's incredibly hard and takes a lot of skill to become a leader that is inspiring and a good host. Forget about the content, that's the easy part. So as far as leadership skill goes, I don't have much, but I'm constantly learning. Lately my learning has been coming from an incredible woman...
Here she is...
Elodie Button is the most amazing leader, teacher, person I have recently met. I have only known her for a couple of weeks and in the few meetings we have shared so far I feel as if she has shone her light upon my deep want to lead and be an inspiration to others. In a personal way, I connect with her energy. So happy and real and bold she is! Wow! Not only do I connect with this amazing teacher of mine, but I can see how GOOD she is at doing her job. I met Elodie through YELP (Youth Environmental Leadership Program). The Program was run by Sierra club BC until just recently. Sierra Club had to cut their youth group because they didn't have the funding for it. Sounds like something else??! Elodie brought the group together, approx. 12 high school students all with a want for activism and a love for nature. It is a magical group, we all agree. In my experience leadership groups or clubs tend to fall into the hands of people that aren't necessarily leaders. In some, I have often felt as if I am the only one that has the capability to get something done. Or in other situations, I don't feel like I have been given the room to do anything at all. It could be seen as luck that this particular group works so well together with such a great facilitator. But it is not luck. It is logical that this group is magical and I will fight for that! The combination of fun, food and focus is incorporated into every meeting . Elodie provides and encourages these things, making them common. You could say there is much more to think about when hosting a meeting, but if you start listing them (emotional support, ritual, inspiration, diversity, reflection, ........) you'll see that all of these are linked somehow to one of the three things; fun, food or focus. As I start on my journey to become a leader, I will remember these three simple but super important points that Elodie demonstrated. Simplicity is key. I believe in that and I believe that with knowledge and inspiration anyone can be a leader. So there is some simple knowledge on how to lead and facilitate, now realize your inspiration. Ok, now I'm talking to myself.
Elodie Button is the most amazing leader, teacher, person I have recently met. I have only known her for a couple of weeks and in the few meetings we have shared so far I feel as if she has shone her light upon my deep want to lead and be an inspiration to others. In a personal way, I connect with her energy. So happy and real and bold she is! Wow! Not only do I connect with this amazing teacher of mine, but I can see how GOOD she is at doing her job. I met Elodie through YELP (Youth Environmental Leadership Program). The Program was run by Sierra club BC until just recently. Sierra Club had to cut their youth group because they didn't have the funding for it. Sounds like something else??! Elodie brought the group together, approx. 12 high school students all with a want for activism and a love for nature. It is a magical group, we all agree. In my experience leadership groups or clubs tend to fall into the hands of people that aren't necessarily leaders. In some, I have often felt as if I am the only one that has the capability to get something done. Or in other situations, I don't feel like I have been given the room to do anything at all. It could be seen as luck that this particular group works so well together with such a great facilitator. But it is not luck. It is logical that this group is magical and I will fight for that! The combination of fun, food and focus is incorporated into every meeting . Elodie provides and encourages these things, making them common. You could say there is much more to think about when hosting a meeting, but if you start listing them (emotional support, ritual, inspiration, diversity, reflection, ........) you'll see that all of these are linked somehow to one of the three things; fun, food or focus. As I start on my journey to become a leader, I will remember these three simple but super important points that Elodie demonstrated. Simplicity is key. I believe in that and I believe that with knowledge and inspiration anyone can be a leader. So there is some simple knowledge on how to lead and facilitate, now realize your inspiration. Ok, now I'm talking to myself.
I am so glad that Elodie, leadership, passion and all that good stuff is so much a part of my life. I am such a lucky teenager! I am getting to explore the most empowering things at such a young age and it feels really good. Whoever is reading this, I hope you find what empowers you. Whether it is through your body, your creativity, your ability to communicate-you can be empowered and you can empower others.
Thank you Elodie <3 <3 <3
Eden
Thank you Elodie <3 <3 <3
Eden