Born or made?

 

Today’s my birthday! (Thanks!) I’m pondering the age-old question, “Are leaders born or made?” The obvious answer, of course, is YES!  We were all born and we each lead, at least ourselves. Some people, however, were born with the innate talents to lead others. Evidently, I’m one of those. I’ve always led. ALWAYS! Even when I didn’t want to. 

 

While still serving in the United States Air Force, my family and I had just moved to Germany. We were living in Lohnsfeld, near Sembach Air Base. I’d been involved with the Base Chapel at several of the bases where we’d previously been assigned. I heard that the Protestant Chapel Leadership Team was meeting the coming Tuesday, so I decided to attend and offer my help. I knew no one in the community. Not a person. As I said, we’d just arrived. 

                        

All of the folks at the meeting greeted me with respect and courtesy. They even invited me to sit at the table with them. I soon found out that most of the leadership team was returning to the States, so they were looking for new leaders. Being the new guy, I couldn’t refer anyone to any of the positions that they were intending to fill. I just didn’t know anyone yet.

 

I had to go pee, so I excused myself and went to the bathroom. When I returned, the entire group was smiling. They’d just elected me the new president! I didn’t even know these people and they made me their leader. Just like that!

 

I ended up leading that group for about six years. Every year or two I would suggest getting new leadership in to give us a fresh perspective and give others the opportunity to lead. They wouldn’t hear of it. “You’re our leader, Chief,” they would admonish me. I had to leave the country to quit that job. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed working with all of the folks involved in that small church. We were like family. 

 

Leading is about choosing to help someone. It’s about stepping up to that opportunity when someone needs help or support. If you’re a born leader, don’t fight it, just do it as best you can. If you aspire to lead, just do it as best you can. Regardless of whether you were born to lead or are learning to do so, just help each other. That’s what’s important.

 

HEIRPOWER!

 

bob vásquez!