I’m encouraged to see both “leadership” and “follower-ship”for the legislation and decision making to support laws protecting LGBT individuals from discrimination.
How does such change gain this momentum? With a few good leaders. Commentary on this “movement” across the country suggests that when just a few courageous leaders step out, take a stand, it gives others permission to do the same. And gradually the energy grows and builds, making the communities we live in and work in safe and legally protective for more and more people.
The changes in attitude, throughout the country, are reflected in recent surveys. The Research Institute reports that 71% of Americans now support laws to protect the LGBT community from discrimination. And the Pew Research Center reports that 55% of Americans and 70% of millennials support same sex marriage.
And because we need so much healthy positive change in institutions and organizations — this movement around LGBT protections can serve as a great example of what we are capable of as a state, a country — and as individuals — to get on a positive path. What’s my point? It’s about change and making a difference and doing some self examination of where you stand, and where you might want to become active in doing good work for change — for your next door neighbor, for organizations and causes that speak to you, and perhaps for yourself.
I run across this question in the writing of many individuals — from spiritual leaders to political commentators — “WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE NOT AFRAID? So I’m suggesting that you take a moment — and a deep breath — and ask yourself that question. Pay attention to the first thoughts that pop into your awareness….and pay particular attention to what you feel. It’s a question that covers everything from “are you living the life you want to live?” to — “are you making the difference you are capable of making?”
When I wrote RELEASE FROM POWERLESSNESS: TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE, I asked business and professional women across the country these two questions: 1) What do you do to keep yourself from being powerful? and 2) What would happen if you let all your power out?
The range of answers is dramatic — with one significant underlying theme: Many of us are more fearful of how powerful we are capable of being than of NOT BEING POWERFUL. And that leads back to the original thought: whether you take the lead or find a fearless, courageous leader to follow, the real issue is stepping into your personal power and making a difference where your heart leads you. So this is a challenge to look around you for the changes you know would positively impact your life and the lives of others…then look at what your role in the change process might be. And then try stepping into your own personal power for making a difference!
Listen to Dr. Linda Moore and Mike Manko discuss leading and following change and what fits for you, on the SteveAndMikeRadio.com podcast.
A footnote: If interested, the answers to the two questions above are in RELEASE FROM POWERLESSNESS: TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE