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I started blogging at “Out of This World Leadership” just a little more than a month ago because I wanted an outlet for my unique passions…and I want to “serve leaders who shoot for the stars.” Since 1995, I’ve enjoyed the privilege of working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center—home to the astronauts and leaders in human space exploration.
Several years ago, I crafted a personal mission statement—“To be a leader wherever I am and improve leadership wherever I go.” I am passionate about leadership as a student, coach, practitioner, and teacher.
Finally, my role as a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ provides another perspective on “Out of This World Leadership.”
Through this blog, I want to help cultivate the values I hold in the Leaders 42morrow—namely integrity (do what you say); excellence (do your best); and improvement (get better over time). I also want to give practical advice and solutions on servant leadership. I firmly believe in Robert Greenleaf’s philosophy. In his groundbreaking book on Servant Leadership, he explained, “Potential followers will respond only to individuals who are chosen as leaders because they are proven and trusted as servants.”
In contrast, self-serving leaders put their own agenda and gratification ahead of their followers. Fortunately, Harvard’s “Survey of Young Americans’ Attitudes Toward Politics and Public Service” reveals that 59% of this generation have zero tolerance for this type of leadership. That is encouraging news indeed…
To grow next generation leaders, we need to grow good followers. Think about it…every leader everywhere reports to someone. In HR, there is a popular message relating to hiring and selection that says, “Past performance is the best predictor of future performance.”
Another way to look at it…followership is the best predictor of future leadership. How are you as a follower? Does your leader appreciate your results and support? How are you as a servant leader? Are you building positive relationships with those around you?
Each of us can improve both our leadership AND our followership. How about you? What commitment will you make today to be a Leader 42morrow?
As for me, I will continue to shoot for the stars!
