by Michael Holland    

Jesse Owens, the son of a sharecropper and grandson of a slave, realized his dreams by winning four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics.  Jesse Owens said “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”

Of your employees, who is dreaming of being a leader someday?  Who has the aspiration, drive, aptitude, and desire to sit in a position of authority over the daily work and long-term future of others?  Have you always dreamed of being a successful leader?

Think through Jesse’s quote and ponder on how you are helping one or some of your employees – or maybe yourself – to fulfill dreams of being a leader.   Study the following descriptors from Jesse.  What do these words mean literally, socially, or maybe even personally?  With the words in mind, how are you developing the culture of your team/department/function?

  • Determination
  • Dedication
  • Self-Discipline
  • Effort