Election Call

It was a hot afternoon. Ryan and Janine sat on a table near a shady tree taking snacks.

“How was your voting?” Ryan asked “Great! I was able to vote without any interruptions”, answered Janine

“Same here,” said Ryan, “Who’s on your list?”

“Your dad.” answered Janine, “He’s one of my bets on leading the country to the change we’re waiting for.”

“Thanks for that,” replied Ryan

“I don’t want to bring my heavy heart again.” Janine said, “But I feel like I have to say this.”

“I’m here to listen.”, replied Ryan

“I feel like it’s useless to do this every three years.”, Janine said, “They can persuade us with their promises and forget them when they’re in position. They can have everything, but they have nothing to leave a mark with.”

“I should know. I met a lot of them who clashed with Dad.”, said Ryan

Ryan’s dad ran for governor with the intent of helping people make their lives better. He was well-respected, principled, self-disciplined, and influential in leading change. And this made win the hearts of the people.

His first few years were difficult. He was discouraged by his co-officials, whom they find his proposed programs unrealistic. But the results proved different than what they thought. He turned their city into one of the top global places for tourism, foreign investment, and safe residency.

While many praised his excellent leadership, some criticized his “arrogant, snobbish, and show-off” attitude. However, no one could prove it. But his critics didn’t stop him as they revealed his dark past.

He experienced many losses. But with the crisis he went through, he found the peace and courage to admit his mistakes to the public. He promised to change for the better, and he kept his word. He slowly won back the hearts of the people. But that didn’t end there.

There was a time he was arrested for corruption, something he would never do. The people knew that and suspected that someone framed him. After months of investigation, it turned out that his personal secretary was the mastermind.

He betrayed him with the intent of acquiring his wealth and staying power. When the secretary was found out, he attempted to escape from the country but failed. Eventually, he surrendered and admitted to the crime. He also admitted to spreading false rumors about the governor out of jealousy.

Throughout his 18 years of service, he won numerous awards for his career achievements. He’s also a motivational speaker for leadership conferences.

“Your Dad is kind.”, said Janine, “And he encouraged me a lot to become the leader I can be.”

“You’ve grown a lot since I first met you.”, said Ryan

“You know, I didn’t see myself as a leader.”, said Janine, “I’m okay with just being a member. But your dad saw it in me. I don’t know how he did it, but he was right.”

Janine was a wallflower. She needed to learn to overcome it so that she could deal with people well. Ryan’s dad became her mentor. He taught her to be open to others, to show genuine interest in them, to listen to learn, and to motivate them. And she eventually won the hearts of her colleagues.

When she began to be Team Lead, she was nervous. It was a different ball game. Her mentor taught her how she could be an effective one. He taught her about setting the right goals, instilling focus and discipline to her team habitually, and maintaining balance. And in time, she became that effective leader.

For every team success, she gave recognition to whom it’s due. She respected the dignity of others. She handled mistakes, complaints, and criticisms well. For every problem, she learned to have a positive attitude and to worry about the right things. Most of all, she learned to be enthusiastic about everything.

“It’s Dad’s living principle that he taught us as well.”, said Ryan

“It shows.”, said Janine, “And if there’s one great lesson I learned from him, it’s that leadership starts with yourself. If you know how to lead yourself, then you can lead others. It’s a good start to practice with.”

“And if you apply all that to service, an effective leadership brings out true character.”, said Ryan, “True service will never seek any personal motivation. It always seeks for good. Selflessness can only come from there, and that’s the true heart.”

“Leadership is service with a heart.”, remarked Janine, “How I wish all people can have that. They’ll only have a growth mindset. Change starts with yourself. And I hope all leaders can have that for the country. It’s how we can progress.”

“Same here.”, said Ryan

The sun started to set. The two stood up together and started walking on the way home.