Leadership Lessons From My Mother-In-Law's 80th Birthday

By Rich Anderson, executive coach with HTG Peer Groups

Have you ever seen an old lady stand on her head long after she should not?  My mother-in-law, Sharing Sharon or Mother Bear as I sometimes call her, is one remarkable woman.  She endeared herself to her family by  snapping close up photos of aspiring young sons-in-law, hosting elaborate tea parties for her grandchildren, and singing “Come Josephine in Your Flying Machine and its up she goes, up she goes,” while she and her little loved ones went soaring in the porch swing.  After 5 kids, 14 grandkids, and 13 great-grandkids, she decided to turn 80 which triggered an opportunity for a rather memorable birthday party.  I want to share a few leadership lessons I saw being lived out at that event. 

2 Out Of 40 … Few Lead Many Follow.  Including in-laws there are 40 of us. Two out of those 40 family members assumed a leadership planning role. The others willingly followed. These two leaders cast the vision, made plans, organized activities and delegated tasks. Their efforts resulted in a three-day, fun-filled family fest at the lovely tree-themed Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.  Betcha’ haven’t been there!  Leadership — it just takes a few (or one) intentional leader willing to delegate to make great things happen.     

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