Let Your Life Speak-"Leading From Within"/Parker J. Palmer/2000
Parker Palmer’s book Let Your Life Speak sends a motivational message to his readers; an especially moving chapter that I read was called “Leading From Within”. “Leading From Within” embodies what it means to be a leader in a fast paced world. I really enjoyed this chapter because Palmer tells his story about how he learned how to be a leader to his community and for the things that he cares about. He was finally able to feel like he was a part of something and was able to overcome his paralyzing depression. He really emphasized the fact that in order to be a great leader you need to pay attention to how you handle your power. He also states that many people feel that they are unfit to be a leader mainly due to the fact that it comes off immodest and they also base their opinions off of leaders who are lacking in many great leadership qualities. “But modesty is only one reason we resist the idea of leadership; cynicism about our most visible leaders is another”(Palmer74). I agree with Palmer that modesty is the key component to why many great leaders don’t step up even when they feel it is necessary.
This chapter really spoke to me because I have always known I am a good leader, yet I question myself whenever I feel like I am being too stern and might give off the wrong impression of who I am as a person. I believe that this is a common feeling many people share throughout our society today. There are so many great leaders in the world that are too afraid to come forward and share their influential abilities because they are avoiding judgment from those around them. Unfortunately, this leaves room for many people who are not fit to have such authority to fill in the roles of those we need most. My hope is that not only those who are truly qualified to take on such leadership roles, but every person who feels like they are holding something back will push past the angst and doubt that prevents them from taking a stand. In my opinion, social media has been the main cause of this increase in concern of everyone else’s thoughts and opinions. How many likes a post got, who said what in your comments and how long it takes for someone to follow you back are just some examples of the sources which cause a build-up of anxiety on a daily basis. Personally I choose not to have social media solely because I noticed that it was affecting the way that I saw myself. I would constantly feel myself envying the appearance and the lives of others, then I began to realize that most of it does not portray an honest depiction of the world around us. I truly hope that people will begin revealing their true selves rather than hiding behind a false image for protection. In order for the world to turn to acceptance rather than judgement, we need to exhibit the rawness of our lives to those around us and break down that debilitating fear of ridicule that silently lives within us all.
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