Everyday Leadership – what does it really mean to you?

When did you first know that you were a leader?

These are intriguing questions. One that you should spend some time reflecting upon. During the 2011 Leadership Summit, the members of the ALPFA Hartford, the association for Latino business professionals and students living and working in Connecticut, answered Kathy’s keynote presentation question What does Everyday Leadership mean to you? and When did you first know that you were a leader?

Here are their answers:

“Everyday leadership means to me..when faced with any situation, a leader figures out what needs to be done and either does it or get others involved to do it with him/her.” –  Michael Aron, XL Group. “I first knew I was a leader when…I wasn’t satisfied to sit on the sidelines of such a situation, but felt compelled to take action.”

“Everyday leadership means to me…being a role model in all aspects of your life. At work as a manager, leading my family at home. I help them to be successful in their endeavors.” – Christine Lucsky, Bank of America. “I first knew I was a leader when…I decided to go to college and become a teacher.”

“Everyday leadership means to me…helping someone else; accomplishments (at school and work); facing challenges, goal setting.” – Anonymous. “I first knew I was a leader when…I couldn’t keep my friends away from my advice-giving. I’m practically ‘everyday Dr. Phil.’ “

“Everyday leadership means to me…sacrifices, role model and accomplishing goals.” – Jacqueline Resa, Sun Life Financial. “I first knew I was a leader when…became a mother and started my career.”

“Everyday leadership means to me…adapting to change; leading in a chaotic world and knowing when to give in and go with the fow. Trusting your peers.” –  Daniel Avalos, Sun Life Financial. “I first knew I was a leader when…I was growing up and started my own business selling cards at the age of 10 at the flea market with a friend. People are always asking me for advice.”

“Everyday leadership means to me…leading by example and quality over quantity.” –  Wiley Dawson, student, Eastern Connecticut State University. “I first knew I was a leader when…students younger than me look to me as a mentor.”

“Everyday leadership means to me…patience, calm in crisis, commanding respect without demanding it.” – Stefanie Diaz, president of ALPFA Hartford. “I first knew I was a leader when…I helped organize a successful professional summit. people looked up to me for answers.”

“Everyday leadership means to me… Speaking up when others won’t; Asking the hard questions. Being the first to say ‘I will” to a tough task; Being the ‘go to’ person.” – Elizabeth Villa, Robert Half International. . “I first knew I was a leader when…Volunteering. Volleyball. Public speaking; mentoring/training others. I would rather take responsibility than skirt it.”

“Everyday leadership means to me…support/encouragement, motivation, feedback, example setting, admitting failures/flaws, teaching and learning” –  Shannon DeZilva, Robert Half International. “I first knew I was a leader when…I wasn’t afraid to speak in front of people.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..helping others always, not just when it’s convenient. Sometimes accepting a smaller role for the greater good.” –  Mike Thibeault, Deloitte. “I first knew I was a leader when…I could confidently answer the questions of my colleagues.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..Listening and communicating with others. Empathizing and mentoring others. Striving to do better.” –  Migdatia Ortiz. “I first knew I was a leader when…I knew I could do more and be better. I wanted more for myself and others.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..mentoring, serving as an example. How you carry yourself.” –  Avril Stephens, Deloitte. “I first knew I was a leader when…my friends sought my advice; when I was aksed to run for office. when my parents said ‘lead not follow.’ When I held steadfast to beliefs.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..more instinctive than planned; based on merit rather than role.” –  Peter Cross, Deloitte. “I first knew I was a leader when…I was able to teach my kids to be themselves.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..leading others effectively and taking ownership when things go wrong.” –  Carlos Colon, Barnes Group, Inc. “I first knew I was a leader when…I was able to lead large teams.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..moving others to act and create change.” –  J. Cortez, United Healthcare. “I first knew I was a leader when…I hosted the FBLA conference as a high school senior.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..taking charge and making the tough decisions.” –  Fernando Diaz, consultant. “I first knew I was a leader when…Filed my taxes and paid my first mortgage. Also, being successful as a first generation American in my family.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..striving to be better in your life as well as to help the next person achieve leadership as well. Being a good student and going to class. Joining clubs and organizations that share your same values and interests.” –  Anonymous, student, ECSU. “I first knew I was a leader when…I got accepted into college!”

“Everyday leadership means to me..keeping the motivation I have to continue my growth and success.” –  Julie Nguyen, student, ECSU. “I first knew I was a leader when…there was a time I felt I had no one to follow.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..helping others and staying positive and motivated.” –  Calia Cross, student, ECSU. “I first knew I was a leader when…I was the first from my family to go to college.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..knowing how to handle different crises; engaging and motivating other members to guide;  respecting and listening to others without judgment. Letting others speak their ideas.” –  Linda Rodriguez, UTC Power. “I first knew I was a leader when…I was able to engage others.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..leading by example and being a role model; flowing  into change; listening to needs/concerns/ideas of others and then acting upon them.” –  Jacqueline Nadal, Bank of America. “I first knew I was a leader when… all the games I wanted to play were adopted during my childhood adventures.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..is a person who can not only lead but is an effective follower .” –  Rosheka Gray, student, ECSU. “I first knew I was a leader when…got into college on my own. When I was able to follow directions.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..taking initiative and helping others. Being reliable and trustworthy. A passionate person who is driven and can communicate.” –  Zainab Giwa, student, ECSU. “I first knew I was a leader when…someone asked me for the directions for something. People started looking to me for the answers.”

“Everyday leadership means to me..setting an example and leading by example. Motivating others and taking action. Doing the right thing.” –  Janice Ward, Bank of America. “I first knew I was a leader when…I found that I had the ability to motivate others and influence change.”

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