For the final blog of this leadership course, I’ve been asked to write a manifesto.  First I had to learn what that was.  One might consider it a mission statement or a proclamation.  A political platform for a candidate might also be considered a manifesto.  They are intended to inspire, create action, share new thoughts or ideas or share a legacy.  So here is my attempt at my leadership manifesto.

Five Calls to Action for Every Leader

 

1.     Inspire Positive Change

We are all wanting to experience change.  No matter the situation, in order to grow change must occur.  So what is considered normal must be challenged in a way to create positive change.  One must think outside the box and be innovative in searching for ideas to inspire change.

2.     Lead by Example

This is a relatively simple concept but are you really willing to lead by example?  Are you willing to do what you would ask someone else to do?  Often in our daily tasks we need to be aware of what we ask others to do and make sure it is something we are willing to do ourselves.

3.     Communication is Key

Often this one important task can be left in the dust.  As one gets excited and has momentum on a task or change, it is the not hard for team or group communication to be put to the side.  Great leaders keep everyone informed along the way and don’t leave anyone out.

4.     Take Action and Responsibility

      In order to inspire positive change and lead by example, leaders must be willing to take action and responsibility for those actions.  Company leaders often set direction for the company and lead the charge whether they are successful or fail.  Regardless of the outcome, leaders shouldn’t wait for someone to grant permission, they must create a vision, a path to get there and then execute the plan.  Having drive to make change is inspiring to those around you who are excited about the change.

5.     Grow Those Around You

      As leaders create their path for change and begin to take action, they will gather followers along the way.  Leaders need to spend time developing those individuals and growing them as you are working together on similar missions.  Leaders can inspire others to volunteer or help work through project teams on achieving a common vision.

These are values and beliefs which I intend to follow and grow as my leadership in various aspects grow.  Whether that be at my job, my volunteer positions, at home as a mother, or even growing myself to be a better person.  These calls to action can be used in a lot of aspects of our everyday life.

In doing some research for writing my manifesto, I came across some other manifestos I wanted to share:

The Holstee Manifesto (https://www.holstee.com/pages/manifesto):

This manifesto is about life and in reading it I was inspired to check things off that I think I do as well as make my “to do” list of things that inspired me.

Here is another manifesto that was interesting to read by Dan Dark (https://www.raidious.com/my-leadership-manifesto/).  As he notes, these are not “ best practices” but his thoughts based on experience.  I think the one that stood out to me is the first where he declares “I don’t want to do your job” (Dark, 2013).

The last one I will share was by Terry St. Marie (2011) titled 7 Little Words, One Big Leadership Manifesto.  The phrase used to establish the manifesto is “We will do it well and enjoy it”.  In this manifesto, St. Marie talks about each work individually and ties it together in the end for the phrase and this almost sounds like a charge or call to action.  Using the word to define will inspires confidence to the followers that change will happen.  You can enjoy reading the rest of it here:  http://www.terrystarbucker.com/2011/02/06/7-little-words-one-big-leadership-manifesto/.

I also located a few company manifesto videos I wanted to share:

American Cancer Society Manifesto:

Culture Amp Manifesto: 

After creating my own manifesto as well as reading and watching others, I’m charged and on fire to make change, both at home and at work. I intend to make a new vision board after completing my degree to visually set some goals I’d like to achieve and tackle them.  There are several projects that have just been sitting there that need a champion.  Can you find one around you and lead the charge?

I’m not sure I’ll be maintaining this blog for the long term, but if I’m inspired by leadership or leading a change I hope to come back and share that with you.  If you ever find want to chat about leadership topics or ideas, feel free to post below and we can share stories on or offline.  Thank you for your time and attention to reading my posts!  Let’s lead change in the world!

Monica

References:

Dark, D. (2013, Jan 28).  My Leadership Manifesto. Retrieved from: https://www.raidious.com/my-leadership-manifesto/

St. Marie, T. (2011). 7 Little Words, One Big Leadership Manifesto.  Retrieved from: http://www.terrystarbucker.com/2011/02/06/7-little-words-one-big-leadership-manifesto/