Leadership Lessons on Mother's Day

My Mom and Dad on Their Wedding Day

We often write about and talk about leadership along our travels and on this blog.  Many of the leadership lessons that I have learned (like so many of you) have come from my mom.  I thought since we are celebrating mother's day that I would share a few.

1. Leaders are Selfless-  I know that my mom went without so that my siblings and I could have the things we needed.  We always came first and there was no questioning it.  Leaders should but often doesn't utilize the same theory.  A mother embodies the true essence of servant leadership.  A servant leader by definition shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.  
2. Leaders Wear Many Hats -  My mom has been so many things in my life.  She's been a teacher, care-giver, disciplinarian and more.  Some of these come with the territory of being a mom while others are unexpected.  For example, my mom has also filled the role of my father for the past two decades after my dad passed.  This was not a role she was prepared for but stepped in and has done an amazing job.  
3. Leaders do Whatever it Takes to Develop Others -  I would argue that the job of raising a child never ends.  I know that I will always continue to be a work in progress even though I am closing in on the big 40.  My other two mudder brothers passed that milestone a long time ago (Sorry...couldn't resist guys).  I know that as long as I am on this Earth that my mother will continue to push me to be a better person.  Great leaders also know that the job of developing people is never truly finished.  You continue to push and develop people even when they are no longer a part of your organization.  Leaders have a responsibility to develop others just like mom does.

The best leaders are quite similar to the best moms.  The best leaders are selfless, wear many hats, and do whatever it takes to develop others.  The fact that I run through electrical wires and spend a great deal of time ingesting mud is a direct result of my mother and father encouraging me to chase my dreams even if they are crazy.

When you think about attacking a tough mudder course you really must also do those three things.  Many of them are even in the pledge you say before you start.

While mother's day only comes once a year the lessons learned from mothers will last a leader a lifetime. 

Happy Mother's Day from Our Year in the Mud!

Completing the Coldest Mudder Ever in Miami, FL