What is a leader

What is a Cooper

James:

“What is a Cooper?”

Kids:

 “Coopers are leaders!”

James:

“What do leaders do?”

Kids:

“Leaders inspire greatness!”

This is one of the things we do as a family before bed. One of the other pieces we do that goes along with this is we ask our kids how they inspired greatness that day. It could be something like “I asked mama what she needed help with this morning” or “I put my toys away without you asking.” It doesn't have to be complicated, but to us thinking about ways to step up and contribute to the family goal and mission is huge. We live in a society where some people think its too much to ask our kids to think of others. I want my kids to be part of a society that honors leaders. That honors people that care about others. 

We have a Cooper warrior code that we came up with as a family. We have a mantra that we do sometimes with our kids too. Our kids are excited to do these things and ask to say them even when we are tired. Even when they are tired. It inspires me to be a better leader myself. It inspires me to remember what I stand for as a man and as a leader.

We are all leaders in some way. We all have the opportunity to lead. Just because we don't have a title doesn't mean we can't lead.

You are leading when you go to the store and choose to genuinely ask how the teller is doing. You find out that they are retiring this week. You press in further and ask where they will go first. Come to find out they are going to travel across the country in there newly decked out Sprinter van with their husband. She couldn't be happier with the conversation. You just made her day. You are a leader.

You lead by showing her she mattered more than just what she could do for you. You lead the next person in line to continue the conversation. You lead with a smile.

Leadership is always a choice. We are not all born leaders but we are all born to lead. This does not mean that following is bad. Quite the contrary. Good leaders follow well.

I have seen so many of you lead well. I have seen some of you step up and ask new people to partner up with you for a workout. Or introduce yourself to them. You don't have the title of “New Member Greeting Leader” but you stepped up. That is so beautiful. Who are you choosing to lead in your life? Hint, you must lead yourself.

Next week we will talk about the differences between a healthy and an unhealthy leader.


Keep building,

James and Bre Cooper


Previous
Previous

What is a leader PT2

Next
Next

Whats in a name? Kaizen.