Leadership -- Reflection on the life of Princess Diana

[Jessica Merly]

 Princess Diana, 1997. "I knew what my job was; it was to go out and meet the people and love them." . . . "Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."

I recently read a book about the life of Princess Diana and I was in awe of her drive and courage to help those wherever there was a need. Now, typically she is associated with words such as 'generous, compassionate, caring, giving, kind,selfless, humanitarian"- all true, and all the making of incredible leadership.

As I work to become the leader that I want to be I find great value in the stories of others. In short, here are a few key lessons I took away from the story of Princess Diana...

          *Be Present in the Moment- allow mind and spirit to be fully engaged in what is happening right now

          *Positive Intentions- be open to the endless lessons and opportunities that each day may bring

          *Clear Communication- remember that communication is as much verbal as it is nonverbal

          *Lead Courageously- be decisive, focused, honest, genuine, and involved

One of the biggest lessons that I have learned from Princess Diana is that leaders inspire even in the simplest of acts. It wasn't through grand speeches and campaigns that Diana touched so many lives, but through her actions. She made a powerful impact by simply being.

I now begin each day asking myself, 'who are you? why are you here?' and reminding myself that you never know where the inspiration is going to come from today, be open to it!

[Claudia Vlcek]

Love the quote!!