Leader of the Parade

Everyone loves a Parade.  There is an awesome magical something that happens when a parade comes to town. The heartbeat of the community is felt for miles.  There is a pulsating excitement and thumping anticipation as the parade seamlessly moves through the streets and unveils its colorful and thematic messages and displays. The boom of the drum roll, the swirling of batons, and the synchronized steps of each participant is awe-inspiring, even almost electrifying.  Crowds roar, applause thunders and cheers boom- a-rang around the town as the parade beats around every corner and tunes into every child’s smile.

In times gone by, the Leader of the Parade was at the front and center of the line.  He marched forward with purpose and a roadmap, and amazingly everyone followed the Leader like ducklings following their mama across a busy intersection with oncoming traffic.   These days the Leadership role is less overt and more understated.  It’s as much about standing in the thick of traffic and being a cross guard for the safety of your valued employees, mingling and giggling at the back of the line with late comers to the parade.  Today, great Leaders are people who engage and connect with people on the inside as well as with people on the outside. Great Leaders don’t show off.  They show Up! And in my humble opinion, a remarkable leader stands up for people and what they believe in instead of standing out for self-aggrandizement.

Today, we need a Parade.  More than ever we need to celebrate hope, courage, innovation, empowerment and opportunity.  But, more than this, we need leaders who will model these values and empower others to be courageous and innovative. We need leaders who have the confidence to step aside, or step back, as someone else steps up, bold with enthusiasm, and has their turn as parade master for a day.

About Tara Markus

Owner & Executive Director of taramarkus.com, a new online Positive Living Life-Style Magazine, Tara is a reknowned copywriter that delivers positivity, connectivity and possibility to people. Host of #UBUSensations weekly Tweetchat on Twitter, Tara shares insight with a sensational community of remarkable people who join together to engage. Tara is also the creator behind "Glam It Up" accessory boutiques which offer awesome & affordable jewelry and accessories for fundraiser events. Additionally Tara is now developing "Treetop Communications" - a company that grows healthy ideas and helps your business branch out!