#MondayInsight:

Many of my clients and colleagues share a mission to restore dignity in the world.

And while we like to think of restoring dignity to others, how often do we show up as examples of the very dignity we seek to restore?

Leaders truly answering their calling are asked to put themselves first—not from a place of ego, but from deep honoring…

Honoring the calling they hear, the truth they know they are here to express, and their natural genius and design (the vehicles for their calling).

Most of all, it requires honoring the knowing that they are here to do the work they’re meant to do, regardless of anyone’s opinion, approval, or lack thereof.

This honor cuts through the noise and steers them to create and deliver what they’re meant to contribute to the world.

Remember the movie Billy Elliot? People fell in love with it (especially my partner, Pete). Why? Because we saw a young boy honoring his conviction, compelling everyone around him to join him… against all odds.

Dignity can’t be bestowed—it must be claimed.

When we stay true to ourselves, our calling, and our convictions, something amazing happens:

We restore our own dignity.

That allows us to walk through the world with dignity, showing others what it looks like and encouraging them to live with dignity, too.

And when you walk with dignity…

People take notice!

Dignity captivates. It has an alluring beauty and fierceness that commands attention. When people are around someone walking with dignity, they attend to your message and leadership.

That’s something I’ve always seen in the poet, Maya Angelou. She’s someone I have admired and respected deeply because there was a loving fierceness within her, and her dignity commanded attention.

Your dignity becomes a beacon others want to follow.

The great acting coach, Sam Christensen, said, “Charisma is public self-acceptance.” That’s what creates someone’s “it” factor.

Remember, your dignity grows with every act of self-honoring, every intuitive nudge you follow, and every truth you express.

No matter where you are in your journey, you can start building your dignity now.

The more it grows, the more people will follow and want to go where you are meant to lead.