An eighth-grade girl in Portland read a book about the families in South Sudan who are in desperate need of clean water. This girl was moved to tears, and then to action. Women and children, she learned, walk for miles to retrieve dirty water from mud puddles; contaminated water that, as their only option, causes disease, sickness, and death. This young girl found out a way we could all help, and she’s stepping out and taking the action necessary to make that difference. What a great reminder that leadership is not a position. It’s not a title, it’s not a plaque on an office door. Leadership is behavior. It’s courage. It’s action.
OK, full disclosure, this eighth grade girl is my daughter, Sarah, and I couldn’t be more proud. It only takes $15,000 to build a well in South Sudan–a well that will change (and save!) countless lives for years to come. When I ask people what it is about great leaders that they admire, the most consistent answer I get is “inspiration.” Great leaders inspire us to step up into a better version of ourselves. Watch her two minute video, and if you are so inspired, move into action and help her build a well and save lives.
