Monday, September 10, 2007
Having a Little Pluck
My grandmother was born in Russia and when she immigrated to the United States she had a hard time figuring out the meaning of words. I remember talking with her one day and discussing the word “pluck”. Her neighbor had made a comment about her which she didn’t understand. The statement was, “I always see you trying new things. You have a lot of pluck.” I reassured her it was a good thing.
For me, “pluck” is more than just courage. It goes hand-in-hand with determination—a sense of purpose, grit, resolve—to get things done. Yes, you need the courage to try something new but you also need the determination to risk it all.
If you have leadership responsibility, you need both courage and determination to lead your team. The guts it takes to make a decision and strength of mind to finish a new venture is the difference between being an ‘ordinary’ leader and an ‘extraordinary’ leader.
Think about the ways in which your leadership ability can be remarkable, exceptional, great. “All must be ventured if all is to be gained.”
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie