<p></p>I've heard it said that leaders are born and I've heard it said that leadership is learned. It's probably a little of both.&nbsp; <p>But whether it comes from your genetic make up or your environment, I owe whatever leadership qualities I have to my Dad.</p> <p> <div style="width:326px;display:inline;float:none;margin:0;padding:5px 5px 5px 10px;" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ca118521-c601-4f35-b2d6-c8ed3ece07c9" class="wlWriterSmartContent"><div>[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtCjq1ZuLsI&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1]</div></div></p> <p>Great leaders lead by example and here are a few things he's showed me.</p> <h3>Great leaders...</h3> <h3>Listen and Learn</h3> <p>Leadership starts with conversations.&nbsp; If you listen to the other person, and really hear what they are telling you - you can learn something about them and about yourself.&nbsp; The more you know about each other - the more you can accomplish together. I've listened as he talks with people many times.&nbsp; And he really talks WITH them.&nbsp; Never at them. He listens to what they have to say and shares his ideas.</p> <h3>Embrace Challenges Calmly</h3> <p>Challenge your thinking and challenge yourself.&nbsp; Be open to new ideas while staying true to your principles.&nbsp; No life is always easy.&nbsp; And I'm sure raising five kids who were six years apart in age was not always a piece of cake.&nbsp; (I can not imagine a house with FIVE teenagers.&nbsp; I have all I can handle with two.) But what ever challenges he faced, my Dad kept his cool and did what had to be done. And he still does to this day.</p> <h3>Live their principles</h3> <p>Talking about something is easy.&nbsp; Doing something about it can be an entirely different story.&nbsp; True leaders don't just talk about something.&nbsp; They get involved and take action.&nbsp; My Dad does not stay on the sidelines.&nbsp; Even though he is retired, he's busier than ever.&nbsp; Whether it is creating a neighborhood park, getting a road repaired, volunteering at church, or helping a neighbor, he walks his talk.</p> <h3>Sing Out</h3> <p>Dad's not afraid to raise his voice and say what needs to be said,&nbsp; He shares with his children and grandchildren the stories of the past and talks with them about the events of our day.&nbsp; By his example he has taught us to be aware, be informed, and express our opinions... even when we don't agree with him.&nbsp; :-)</p> <h3>Don't have to be famous to be effective.</h3> <p>My Dad didn't have to be the President of the United States, the Chairman of the Board (OK, GM might have done better of he was) or a celebrity to make a lasting impact as a leader. He just needed to be who he is, do what he believes is right, and set a great example for his children.</p> <p><a href="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/000_00431.jpg"><img style="border-width:0;margin:5px;" border="0" alt="000_0043" align="left" src="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/000_0043_thumb1.jpg" width="181" height="122"></a> </p> <h3>But most of all, truly great leaders are loved. </h3> <h3>And he is. </h3> <p>Happy Father's Day Daddy!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>And as my Daddy always says...</p> <h4>"<strong>Make it</strong> a Great Day."</h4> <p>Thanks for stopping by...Stay Tuned.</p> <blockquote> <p>Joan Koerber-Walker</p></blockquote> <div style="display:inline;margin:0;padding:0;" id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:6965f449-18a1-4f73-82b7-0da155f4d056" class="wlWriterSmartContent">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Joan%20Koerber-Walker" rel="tag">Joan Koerber-Walker</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/CorePurpose" rel="tag">CorePurpose</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Richard%20A.%20Koerber" rel="tag">Richard A. Koerber</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Leaders" rel="tag">Leaders</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Leadership" rel="tag">Leadership</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Father's%20Day" rel="tag">Father's Day</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Fathers%20and%20Daughters" rel="tag">Fathers and Daughters</a></div>