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I rarely watch the NBC Nightly News, but I just happened to be watching tonight when this story about an orphanage in Afghanistan aired. The director of the orphanage, Andisha Farid, exemplifies courage, grit, and purposeful leadership.
Andisha Farid grew up a refugee in Afghanistan, and now she is trying to make a difference in the lives of other displaced children through her work at the orphanage. When asked if this was her life’s work, she replied:
Sure. Especially for our generation, we were born in war, we grew up in war, and we may die in war. But we really… I really want to do something. If we say, Ok, we have gone through a very tough situation and we are fed up. Just… we shouldn’t give up.
Stories like this remind me why I am passionate about leadership. Leadership is not about rising to the top. Leadership is about doing what needs to be done, often what others are unwilling or unable to do, to address tough issues and meet needs for which there may be few extrinsic rewards.
Leaders sow their seeds in the lives of others. Their reward is in the sowing and the preparation of those that must be responsible to reap and account for the harvest.
Watch the video. It’s a great story.
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Thanks for sharing this, Bret.
I think Andisha is an amazing example of someone who has chosen not to be victim to her circumstances, but to find meaning for herself and thus help to create it for others.
So inspiring…!
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Bret L. Simmons Reply:
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:46 am
Great point, Christine. We have to rise above our circumstances and one of the best ways to do that is by helping others do the same. Thanks! Bret
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