http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/ A weekly stimulant for those who lead Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:35:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-83 Thu, 01 Feb 2007 02:37:09 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-83 I agree wholehearted with the sentiments of your article, we all are leaders, like it or not. I do, however, take great offense at the second paragraph when you refer to the mentee as "a girl who also suffers from CP". It doesn't sound like mentor Kate Zajac "suffers" from CP. As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, my case load includes many children and young people with cerebral palsy. I can tell you that most of them embrace life as energetically, if not more, than many non-disabled people do. We each experience life from a unique perspective. For some that is the perspective of CP, for some diabetes, for some cancer, for some infertility and so on. Let's remember to separate judgemental descriptors from our language and celebrate each person's unique contribution to our lives. I agree wholehearted with the sentiments of your article, we all are leaders, like it or not. I do, however, take great offense at the second paragraph when you refer to the mentee as “a girl who also suffers from CP”. It doesn’t sound like mentor Kate Zajac “suffers” from CP. As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, my case load includes many children and young people with cerebral palsy. I can tell you that most of them embrace life as energetically, if not more, than many non-disabled people do. We each experience life from a unique perspective. For some that is the perspective of CP, for some diabetes, for some cancer, for some infertility and so on. Let’s remember to separate judgemental descriptors from our language and celebrate each person’s unique contribution to our lives.

]]> http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-82 Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:44:54 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-82 This was a wonderful and enlighten speech. I have Mentored through the S.M.A.R.T Program and found it to been not only self rewarding but also as a learning experience. I learned so much from the chidren and about myself. It's the best thing I could have ever done. We should all give something back. I know for sure that if others didn't help me to get to where I am today, Who knows where I would be. This was a wonderful and enlighten speech. I have Mentored through the S.M.A.R.T Program and found it to been not only self rewarding but also as a learning experience. I learned so much from the chidren and about myself. It’s the best thing I could have ever done. We should all give something back. I know for sure that if others didn’t help me to get to where I am today, Who knows where I would be.

]]> http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-80 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 22:22:25 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-80 After reading your inspiring refections on mentorship and the heroic individuals who "live to serve" I cannot help but reflect on my own experiences. From troubled youths involved in theatre programs to youth groups to one-on-one crisis calls over the phone, the one thing that always stayed with me through it all was this "persistance". I never gave up. No matter how big or small the conflict, no matter how hopeless it seemed, I could never give in to that little nagging voice that told me this is to hard, you will never get through, things will never change, there has to be an easier and faster way. I persisted even when the powers that be ( usually those that didn't wanted to be bothered) gave up. So, I leave you with this...Dan may you and Jennifer and all those that serve as leaders never give up or give in to those that appose you..keep strong and be persistant. After reading your inspiring refections on mentorship and the heroic individuals who “live to serve” I cannot help but reflect on my own experiences. From troubled youths involved in theatre programs to youth groups to one-on-one crisis calls over the phone, the one thing that always stayed with me through it all was this “persistance”. I never gave up. No matter how big or small the conflict, no matter how hopeless it seemed, I could never give in to that little nagging voice that told me this is to hard, you will never get through, things will never change, there has to be an easier and faster way. I persisted even when the powers that be ( usually those that didn’t wanted to be bothered) gave up. So, I leave you with this…Dan may you and Jennifer and all those that serve as leaders never give up or give in to those that appose you..keep strong and be persistant.

]]> http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-79 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:11:39 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-79 Dan, There is NOTHING like lived experience that teaches and shows us the way. Thanks for those stories. Actions DO speak louder than words! Dan,
There is NOTHING like lived experience that teaches and shows us the way. Thanks for those stories. Actions DO speak louder than words!

]]> http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-78 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:51:19 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-78 Dan, the mentors in your examples are wonderful illustrations of the Gospel call to be a light for others. Thanks! Dan, the mentors in your examples are wonderful illustrations of the Gospel call to be a light for others. Thanks!

]]> http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-77 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:50:10 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-77 We would all improve our leadership skills if we remembered that every day, we are setting an example for others to follow. I remember an interview with NBA great Charles Barkley, as often recognized for being a "bad boy" as a talented basketball star. When asked if he was concerned about kids choosing him as their role model (in light of his actions off the court), Barkley replied, "I am not a role model!" Unfortunately, we are role models, and we do set an example, whether we "choose" to do so or not, and whether we recognize it or not. We do not get to choose whether another person chooses us as a role model. But, we can choose the example we set. We would all improve our leadership skills if we remembered that every day, we are setting an example for others to follow. I remember an interview with NBA great Charles Barkley, as often recognized for being a “bad boy” as a talented basketball star. When asked if he was concerned about kids choosing him as their role model (in light of his actions off the court), Barkley replied, “I am not a role model!” Unfortunately, we are role models, and we do set an example, whether we “choose” to do so or not, and whether we recognize it or not. We do not get to choose whether another person chooses us as a role model. But, we can choose the example we set.

]]> http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-76 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:38:45 +0000 http://www.danmulhern.com/wordpress/2007/01/the-quiet-power-of-example/#comment-76 Absolutely, nothing can take the place of experience, and no action leads better than leading by example. I've said this for years from experiences mentoring to speaking to groups of young boys and girls. The strength of leading by example is unmatched. A detractor might refute your words or proposed vision, but to see that proposeal or vision in positive action may not be vastly questioned . I am the man I am today for various reasons, but in large part to the example my father set. To me, doing going to work every day, doing housework, holding doors for ladies, and befriending those that others wont, are examples that my first mentor, my father showed me. BY EXAMPLE. The plan is to keep working with the young boys/girls who sadly dont have a sufficient father figure in their lives, to give them the benefit of our example. Readers remember, it's not about us,our politics,or our income, rather, about the kids. Absolutely, nothing can take the place of experience, and no action leads better than leading by example. I’ve said this for years from experiences mentoring to speaking to groups of young boys and girls. The strength of leading by example is unmatched. A detractor might refute your words or proposed vision, but to see that proposeal or vision in positive action may not be vastly questioned . I am the man I am today for various reasons, but in large part to the example my father set. To me, doing going to work every day, doing housework, holding doors for ladies, and befriending those that others wont, are examples that my first mentor, my father showed me. BY EXAMPLE. The plan is to keep working with the young boys/girls who sadly dont have a sufficient father figure in their lives, to give them the benefit of our example. Readers remember, it’s not about us,our politics,or our income, rather, about the kids.

]]>