Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Clint Bolser, President and CEO of LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. We hope you enjoy Clint’s wisdom and perspective.
A couple years ago my son Preston and I participated in a father-son overnight basketball camp at Bethel College. The camp incorporated basketball drills and games but the overall goal was to enhance a father and son relationship in a fun atmosphere. Mike Lightfoot, who is retiring this year as Bethel College Head Basketball Coach spent a couple of hours privately with the fathers to talk about his experience as a father and engage the group in conversation about what we can do to be positive role models for our children.
One particular question during the session stuck with me…What is your dash? He referenced the poem “The Dash,” written by Linda Ellis. In summary, the poem speaks to the reader about how when you look at a tombstone you see a name, the year a person was born, and the year the person passed away. In between the dates there is a small dash and this is what really matters. The poem expresses that the “dash” represents what we do with our lives, it’s who we are, and it will one day be our legacy.
We can also use this analogy in our professional life as a leader. This concept seems so simple, but so hard to pull off in the realities of life. For example, I’ve had the honor to lead several not-for-profit organizations over the last 14 years, including LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. for the past 5 years. As with many leaders, I have fallen into the trap of judging the success of my leadership on numbers…are we serving more people, is our budget growing, are the fundraising dollars increasing, what is the positive net gain from operation, decreasing turnover, positive operational cash, etc. Don’t misunderstand me, these benchmarks are extremely important, but through it all I often lose sight of what I really want my leadership “dash” to represent.
I also want to make it clear - leadership and being a leader does not discriminate. Everyone can be a leader no matter what your job title. Everyone has the ability to effect change through inspiring, supporting, and being a mentor to others.
So the big question is: what do you want your leadership “dash” to look like?
For me, I want and need to challenge myself to look at it differently. I believe it all starts with a change in perspective and a few questions to grapple:
- Am I more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than I am making them feel good about me?
- Do I see more possibilities than problems?
- Am I putting others first?
- Am I being silent and listening?
- Am I making people feel special?
- Do I have a giving spirit?
What’s The Risk?
Risk is defined as the potential of gaining or losing something of value. Using this definition, I believe the risk is losing focus on what really matters. The value of a strong leader incorporates not only measuring success through measurable outcomes, but making sure a legacy, or “dash,” includes actions that have a positive effect on people.
“If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.” - Linda Ellis
This content was written and shared by guest blogger, Clint Bolser.
An Indiana native, Clint Bolser has dedicated his 20-year professional career serving people with disabilities. Clint currently serves as the President and CEO of LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. located in South Bend, Indiana. LOGAN supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Michiana area. He has served in this capacity for the past 5 years. Prior to joining LOGAN, Clint served as the President and CEO of Noble of Indiana which is located in Indianapolis. From 2004 through 2008, he was the Executive Director of Hillcroft Services, Inc. in Muncie, Indiana. Clint attended Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri and received his BA in Psychology and MA in Professional Counseling. Clint and his wife, Stacy are proud parents of 12-year-old twins, Preston and Shelby.
