What change are you driving?

What have you said or done that is worth memorializing in stone? This question regularly flickers through my mind during my commute around Washington D.C. I drive by the Lincoln, MLK, Washington, and FDR memorials daily. Each recounts noble words and deeds these men did with the few years they had on this earth.

While you may never be President or lead something as significant as the civil rights movement; we must expect to bring about change to the people and causes that are important to us. Our hands were not made to be graciously clasped in your lap or pressed between your butt and chair. They are at the end of your arms to manipulate, create, fold, press, and caress. These words are verbs and imply action.

Everything around us has changed, and humanities reach continues to expand into more of the natural world. The clothes on your back and the device you're using to read this post, were the result of a change someone decided to bring into this world.

Your influence is significant, and the world will be a better place because of your investment. Resist the temptation to search for another cat video or binge watch another season. The actors, directors, and costume designers created their art, and it is time for you to generate your art and drive your change.

I am grateful and humbled by your willingness to read these words. If you never make it beyond this sentence because you went to, as Seth Godin says, "make a ruckus," then that is the highest compliment.

If you're still reading, know that I am pulling for you to be brave, and drive your change. I look forward to reading of your exploits, engraved in Internet trons or carved in marble and stone. Post your project what changes you are driving in the comments. My change is this blog.

Writing soundtrack: @theglitchmob @MatiasPuumala @thescript (Hall of Fame)

What sparked your passion?

Jump in the way-back machine and tell your passion origin story. Everything has a beginning, middle and end. It is worthwhile to review to see how we have arrived at today. Influences, coincidences, divine appointments or twists of fate brought you to the point of finding this cause where you seek to achieve change to you and the world.

I wanted to bring something unique to the world following a reawakening over the past 18 months. My response is taking the form of curiosity, inquiry and writing. With the constant barrage of talking heads giving all the answers, I thought it was time to ask different questions. These inquiries are intended to prompt discovery and self-awareness for those that choose to engage. Most will not spend the time to answer nor dwell with the question. My journey had taken years before I was willing to look for deeper questions and prepared to respond with something other than memes. I haven't arrived, but this was my spark.

Your turn.

Going Further: Who inspired your passion? What frustrated you about the status quo? What gave you the courage to step forward? Who has come alongside to support you? What does success look like as you invest in your passion? What question was missed?

YouTube Video: What sparked your passion?

How do you lead by example?

Your kids hear what you say, but remember what you do. This was sober advice given to me as a young parent and has proven to be true. Maybe a bit of what I said stuck, but the overwhelming ratio of remembered lessons for my kids favors my actions. This principle is consistent throughout the business world and any other leadership sphere. Kids are pretty good at calling us out on the inconsistency between what we say and what we do. Others may not be as vocal because a job promotion may be on the line, but our hypocrisy will be discussed at the water cooler or the lunch-line.

If the boss says that it is important to have a work-life balance to maintain employee health and spends the weekend sending out email and making calls, she will loose credibility with the staff. Eventually, the organizational morale starts a downward spiral and requires a targeted effort to recover what was lost. Retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf stated "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." Your character is revealed through the consistency of your words and actions. Be intentional, the world is watching.

Going Further: Where is your example inconsistent with your words? What standards do you hold for others, but not yourself? What changes need to be made to bring words and actions into alignment? What were the results of making these hard changes previously?