Help Re-write the Headlines

The jarring headline on my morning paper yesterday was a renewed call-to-action for me: CARNAGE NUMBS NATION. The story was about two gunman who killed innocent people, apparently because they were angry at the world, and could not see a positive future. It’s likely none of us who participate in this blog could have stopped either gunman in the act. But there is something we can do.

One of the gunman was reported as a 19-year-old who had lost his sense of hope. That phrase was not lost on me, and I hope it’s not lost on you. What we can do is to identify young leaders and make sure they can see a bright future, and not lose hope.

Investing in young leaders

Next Friday, we are hosting the young leaders version of the Good Leadership Breakfast Series in Minneapolis. It’s sponsored by Masters Alliance, and TCF Bank – two organizations who believe in young leaders. Each of the “older” ticket holders is obligated to bring a young leader to hear the Goodness Pays message: Goodness is when people thrive together in a culture of encouragement, accountability and positive teamwork.

My job is to make sure the 150+ young leaders hear the following messages loud and clear:

1. What we concentrate on grows. If you are angry, and can see no hope…that grows.
2. Contrary to the dark noise of the media: It doesn’t pay to lie, cheat, and hurt people. Goodness pays in so many better ways.
3. The path to hope is paved by the Cornerstones of Goodness: excellence, generosity, fairness and positivity. Cutting corners, taking more than your fair share, and toxic finger-pointing hurts everyone.
4. Goodness comes from leaders who create momentum in their lives on The Seven Fs: faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun & future.

Whether you will be at the Good Leadership Breakfast or not, the world needs you to mentor a young leader who can help spread goodness. Because goodness pays.