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I did something different last month. I attended the Tea Party at the Alamo, protesting what I consider out of control Government spending—not as a Democrat, Republican or a "rightwing extremist," but as an American citizen.  
I am a businesswoman—protesting is not “my thing.”

You may have protested against the Vietnam or Iraq war and you may have participated in one of the Tea Party protests. The main thing is that you stood
up for what you believe in.  
I was curious about the tea party idea. A Google search turned up one where
I live, San Antonio, Texas.  http://tinyurl.com/alamo20K  The website presented several rules of behavior asking attendees to be kind to each other and not bash the president or other politicians. There were even pictures of acceptable and unacceptable signs.

My research also turned up a blog entry on pajamasmedia.com by someone named  Clarendon  His reference to the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude"
was the clincher for me.
More than 400 years ago, the philosopher Etienne de la Boetie wrote of this phenomenon. Speaking of Rome in the time of emperors, he said: Tyrants would distribute largess, a bushel of wheat, a gallon of wine, and a sesterces [about 5 cents]: and then everybody would shamelessly cry, “Long live the King!”
We may be nowhere near voluntary servitude, but the thought nudged me to attend.

By my estimation 75% of the 20,000 people at the Alamo Tea Party were between the ages of 35 and 45—some cowboys, most business people. There were speakers and musicians. One TV show and two radio stations broadcast from the site. A 91 - year - old, wheelchair bound woman later sent a letter to the editor of our local newspaper. She was “very impressed with the courteous crowd.“ She urged us to read our Constitution.

We are living in a dangerous time when things are not black or white, right or wrong. We need to step back and take another look at each other. Are we branding ourselves Democrats or Republicans and blindly following elected politicians? Nobody is ALWAYS right or wrong, but unless we think for
ourselves, we go along with what our leaders tell us.
Factcheck.org monitors the accuracy of what is said by major US political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. To verify the information in emails that are circulated, check with snopes.com  

Since the Tea Party, I have exchanged several communications with my Congressman and I intend to remain an active participant in a vibrant discussion concerning the future of America. I urge you to think for yourselves,
learn the facts about the major issues, and then let your voices be heard.

If you would like to talk with me, please call (214) 615 - 6505 ext 5560.
Jo
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The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.
—Theodore M. Hesburgh, President of Notre Dame University 1952 - 1987
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Everyday Leadership: It’s An Inside Job

David sparked a fruitful conversation around waste when he gently asked the cafeteria manager at his workplace whether food might be served without unnecessary containers or wrapping, unless requested.

Susan worked a whole year to bring a group of high school students from New Zealand to the United States to train other students in an effective form of peer mediation.

William began a weekly meeting for men at his church to fill the need for fellowship and support beyond the annual men’s retreat.

Nobody is likely to write a book about David, Susan or William. But these everyday leaders are creating just as much impact in their workplace, family and community as the captains of industry and politics described in the pages of bestsellers.

 Indeed, the challenges and opportunities of today’s marketplace—of today’s world!—require that we all step forward and lead every day, become our own captains and find more of our own personal best to give to the world.

 Leadership as a Way of Life

 Too often, we believe that leadership is the domain of those with recognized authority, and the title to go with it: CEO, association president, teacher.
 “In a world that is changing as rapidly as this one, we need to think differently about leadership,” says Susan Collins, author of Our Children Are Watching: Ten Skills for Leading the Next Generation to Success. “Leading is not done
by those few in high places, but by parents and teachers and managers and those governing—all working together to create the world that we want.”

 When we dare to stand up for our beliefs or to follow through on our dreams and ideas, when we act as though what we say and do in the world matters—matters greatly—we are leading.

 In other words, leadership is a way of life, an expression of our fullest and best nature, our unique gifts. And it starts on the inside.

 Qualities of Leadership
 Because leadership is inextricably connected to who we are deep down, every leader has a different style. Some lead with their eccentric, charismatic selves on full, charming display. Other leaders bear no banners and sound no trumpets. But the inner qualities that make for effective leadership remain constant among all types of leaders:

Positive attitude. Leaders know they can alter their lives by altering their minds. Self - discipline, a sense of security and confidence blossom in the presence of a positive attitude.

A drive for learning—from others, from opportunities, from mistakes. Those who stop learning, stop growing.
Unwavering commitment. No great leader has ever lacked commitment.

True commitment requires and inspires courage, passion, focus, initiative and responsibility.
Communication. Sharing knowledge is essential; even more important is listening. As President Woodrow Wilson said, “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.”

Interest in others. The best leaders thrive on helping others achieve their personal best; they are motivated by a desire for the highest good for all rather than personal glory.

 A positive leader is someone who thinks for himself or herself, formulating a vision of what can be, and inspiring others to see and believe in that vision. A leader energizes other people while producing results. Imagine a world full of everyday leaders.

 Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications
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"The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it."
—Elaine Agather, Chairman of Chase - - Dallas
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Take Charge of Your Life: Dare to Pursue Your Dreams

Easy - reading, success building, practical guide to get you from where you are to where you want to be. How to make the right choices. . .how to amp up your personal power and decision - making ability. . .how to get the support and mentoring you need. . .how to reinvent yourself personally and professionally.

"It especially appeals to me personally because you
manage to be very inspiring while still conveying very
sound, practical, tested principles."
—Scott DeGarmo, Former Publisher and Editor - in - Chief,
Success Magazine and author of Working at Home

http://www.goalminds.com/takecharge.html
Ask about our No Charge 20 - minute coaching session with purchase.
Published in Mumbai, India, by Better Yourself Books.

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BRAIN FOOD

On Leadership: Practical Wisdom from the People Who Know, by Allan Leighton
Becoming a Resonant Leader: Develop Your Emotional Intelligence,
Renew Your Relationships, Sustain Your Effectiveness, by Annie McKee, et.al.
Executive Intelligence: What All Great Leaders Have, by Justin Menkes

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