The Gift of Leadership: How Acts of Kindness Shape Leadership Development

Leaders,
I was raised by great parents in a lower middle-income family. My siblings and I understood that even though our hard-working dad worked two full-time jobs, there wasn't much money for extras.

As a seven-year-old, I was a huge fan of the Lone Ranger show that was on TV every Saturday morning, as were many of my first-grade classmates. When the "Official Lone Ranger Lunchbox" ads started appearing during the show, it wasn't long before several classmates brought theirs to school. 

I knew better than to ask my parents for one and continued bringing my lunch in a brown paper bag that was brought home each day at my Mom's direction so it could be used for the next day's lunch.

One day, my classmate Steven showed up with two lunchboxes and offered me one. He explained his aunt had given him a second one for his birthday. I happily accepted it and told my Mom when I got home.

Years later, I asked her if she remembered the lunchbox I had received from Steven. 

She said, "Yes, I do. I don't think Steven was actually given a second lunchbox. Your father and I were friends with his parents. I think they knew you wanted one and that we probably couldn't afford to buy it for you, so they bought one and made up the story about the aunt."

I'd never thought about this possibility, but as a grown man with the benefit of maturity and hindsight, it made perfect sense to me and I believe this is what really happened.

I've never forgotten this act of kindness by Steven and his parents. It greatly influenced my growth as a "Gift Giver" and shaped how much pleasure I receive from giving to others—often anonymously or with a "cover story" like Steven's. 

𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

As a teenaged Marine Corps Corporal, I was blessed to receive patient mentoring from senior Marines who guided me through my early leadership journey. This "hand holding" continued throughout my entire Marine Corps career, and along the way, I began holding the hands of those who needed help. 

When I entered Corporate America, I continued receiving this gift from others and eventually became a giver.I became a better leader from receiving this help, and I hope I helped others when I gave it to them.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬

- Kindness and the spirit of giving are essential traits for World Class Leaders. 

- Leaders must possess situational awareness—knowing which teammates need an act of kindness—and self-awareness—knowing when they themselves need help and then asking for it. 

𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭: All good leaders became such because of the kindness, patience and mentoring they received from others. They remain good leaders by giving the same to those in need throughout their leadership journeys. 

Food for thought, Leaders.

Have a Great Day, and as always...

𝐆𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 & 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥!

Semper Fidelis,
Mike

Mike Ettore is an executive leadership coach, author, and keynote speaker based in Tampa, Florida.