The challenge belongs to all of us

The pandemic has given great opportunity to observe leaders and their styles. Almost daily I have watched Andrew Cuomo, President Donald Trump and others speak on television. Then I watched a two-hour session led by Lady Gaga. This morning I awakened remembering and contrasting those events.

So I went to the internet to seek definitions for leadership and leadership styles. Among many things I read this comment really struck home with me: 'Leaders don't just happen because other people made them that way. It takes practice, and if you look hard enough and get creative, you'll notice plenty of hidden opportunities all around you to strengthen that leadership muscle.”

This pandemic is disrupting the lives of all of us. We regularly hear this: 'We will whip this Coronavirus and we will do it together.” But then we spend our time passing judgment on the efforts of others instead of seeking the role that we can play.

So I plan to rediscover and then find ways to practice my leadership opportunities so as not to just sit on the sideline but instead be an active participant in fighting this war. I can contribute to the cause since as a spouse, father, grandfather, relative and friend to many I have several life experiences I can share. So as the comment said above I need to 'strengthen that leadership muscle.” Hopefully there will be many of you making similar commitments to participate. The time is right; let's make our contribution now!

Larry Bowen

Cedar Rapids