Posts by Joe Schum

“Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” ~ Bishop Fulton Sheen

Seems simple and not always easy. Especially in today’s polarized world of politics, culture and technology. It’s not a rainbows and unicorns type of optimism. It’s knowing who you are and what you want now and next that acts as a framework for exuding optimism. I like to say “when you stay in the present, your future writes itself”. Optimism is a very present state.

“I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.”   ~ Mother Theresa

In 1982 I had the amazing good fortune to meet Mother Theresa.  She passed by me, greeting those of us working that year’s graduation ceremony, on her way to speak to a room full of senior clergy and other dignitaries.  She touched my hand and at the time I didn’t really know or understand who she was. When I heard her speak, I knew she was important to us, and to God. Over 40 years later I came across this quote while reading about her recently.  This is the best explanation of prayer that I’ve ever seen. 

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”  ~  Mother Theresa

Teamwork, co-creation, interests in a common cause for the greater good of something and someone.  When leaders can spot the talent, the different skills of others, different from each other and from themselves, greatness is available.  How available are we to see each other’s differences and greatness? And ultimately, accept them, and embrace them for their differences? Greatness awaits you.

“Whoever wishes to rank first must remain the last one and the servant of all”. 

~ Mark 9:35

Ambition, pride and hubris…among all the other ways we can channel our behavior; is human.  There’s so much talk about servant leadership today and still, rarely is it exhibited, even in the occasional way.  I had an interesting exchange recently in a faith based setting that caused discomfort when I mentioned this was not only needed, and also demanded of us to live a truly righteous, fulfilled life.  So even the most aware of these teachings struggle with this.  Have you noticed that the greatest of us tend to also be some of the most humble, and giving?  Servant leadership: It takes practice.