Hello, and happy Monday.
First a quote: “Mothering has left me with stretch marks. I have been stretched beyond what I could have imagined.” — Kathy Callahan
Happy Mother’s Day, a week early.
I will be taking next week off to celebrate my wife, Becky, and to spend time with our family in her honor. So, my message this week is a little pondering on motherhood and the subject of leadership.
Some of the most important leadership lessons we ever learn… didn’t happen in a classroom, on the job, in a conference room, or from organizational leaders, or people with a leadership title.
We learned them much earlier, from our moms. Or from someone who showed up like one in our lives. We learned them from an early age and beyond.
Unfortunately for some, their childhood experience wasn’t positive or healthy.
Not everyone had a mother who modeled these qualities, and for some, that relationship may still carry pain, distance, or absence. If that’s part of your story, perhaps your reflection turns to someone else… a grandmother, a teacher, a mentor, a friend… someone who chose to show up for you in a meaningful way during your formative years.
And, if no one immediately comes to mind, maybe this becomes an opportunity, not just to reflect on leadership, but to define the kind of presence you want to have in the lives of others.
Before we studied leadership, we experienced it. Not through position… but through influence.
Amongst many other factors, perhaps too many to list, a great mother:
-
sees potential before it’s visible.
-
believes before there is proof.
-
encourages before there is evidence.
That’s leadership in action! From my personal experience, I suggest the best mothers;
-
lead with patience… especially when tested.
-
gives more than she takes… often without recognition or gratitude.
-
And loves through imperfection… over and over again.
That’s leadership too!
And like any great leader, she makes tough decisions. Sets boundaries. Has difficult conversations. Does what’s right, even when it’s not easy! Tough love is not easy.
Here is what strikes me most… the leadership many of us experienced first in life wasn’t about authority. It was about care, consistency, and character. It was about influence.
It was someone choosing, day after day, to show up for the people in their life.
No title required.
For those of us leading today, maybe that’s the reminder… what if leadership wasn’t just about results, but also about how people experience us?
What if it looked more like:
-
Seeing potential in others before they see it in themselves.
-
Creating an environment where people feel safe and valued.
-
Giving more than we take.
-
Leading with both strength and compassion.
The best leaders I know do exactly that. Their leadership feels familiar. Grounded. Human.
The kind we experienced long before we had a name for it.
So, perhaps the best way to honor the women who shaped us… is to lead a little more like they did. Because in the end, leadership isn’t just about what we accomplish, it’s about the impact we have on others. And that kind of impact tends to last a lifetime.
A question to consider this week: How might I lead with more care, patience, and belief in others… the way someone once did for me?
Everyone can make a difference, and everyone should try. How can you be your best-self this week?
Bonus Quotes Below.
I’ll see you here in this space again in early June. I’m taking off the balance of May for a “bucket list” vacation! Can’t wait!
For all the Mom’s out there… happy Mother’s Day!
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Bryan Yager
“Expanding Your Capacity for Success”
If you enjoy my weekly missives, you may find my recently published book to be of value to you. It is on sale now through Amazon,ocm
What others are saying:
Bryan’s approach is refreshingly realistic and deeply relatable, offering both emerging and seasoned leaders a clear path to building trust and confidence.
“How to Transition into Leadership is a must read for anyone ready to lead with purpose and authenticity.
– Chris Dimos, retired healthcare executive.
Do you know someone who might benefit from this weekly leadership minute? If so, please feel free to pass along the subscription link below:
-
On LinkedIn: Click here to subscribe to the MMM newsletter on LinkedIn. (Recommended)
-
Via email: Click here to subscribe to MMM and have it sent directly to your email inbox each Monday. (Please note: because of the expense involved, I plan to discontinue this service in the near future. If you’re on LinkedIn, I recommend subscribing via LinkedIn.)
Bonus Quotes:
-
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” — Harvey S. Firestone
-
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” — Plato
-
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” — C.S. Lewis
-
“Leadership is not about being the best. It is about making everyone else better.” — Unknown
-
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
