As Black History Month is celebrated this month, it is an opportunity to reflect upon her significant contributions to civil rights, impeccable leadership, and legacy.

Without question, she was a leader among leaders. In her unique way, she raised the bar about ethical perspectives, social justice, and effective governance. The 1970s Watergate hearings served as an unexpected fascinating platform where she asked poignant and direct questions. She did not shy back from probing deeply into thorny details. Lawmakers and the public alike were likely surprised by her candor and persistence to demand ethical conduct.

In 1976, she was the first African American woman to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Taking care to inspire audiences and at the same time bring a powerful and timely message, she delivered what is considered to be among the top speeches of the 20th century. Many of her speeches have been compiled in Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder.

Finally, Jordan served as an advocate for civil rights. With her roles a policymaker, author, professor, and community leader she left behind a legacy of action. As the first African American elected to Congress from Texas she took great care to be diligent in her question equality and social justice.

Leaders today must incorporate her ongoing eloquence and determination into their agendas and internalize her insight shared during the 1976 keynote address when she said: “This country can ill afford to continue to function using less than half of its human resources, brain power, and kinetic energy.”

Barbara Jordan was a giant among leaders. Remembering her fondly means reflecting about her contributions and celebrating them within our leadership every day.

Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success

While there are numerous examples of offenses throughout history and solutions to remedy the circumstances, it seems reasonable to examine a brief solution to help leaders take the first step toward better leadership.

Leaders today must re-focus. Re-tooling is necessary because it appears that many have a misguided moral compass. Leadership ethics expert Terry Price points out that “leaders engage in unethical behavior as they gain power simply because they can do it and get away with it.” In other words, they believe that rules for all do not apply to them. In fact, they ignore parameters and then overlook subsequent collateral damage that results.

Author, professor, and noted leadership authority, Jean Lipman-Blumen, explains about toxic leaders in her book, The Allure of Toxic Leaders: Why We Follow Destructive Bosses and Corrupt Politicians—and How We Can Survive Them. She mentions that because of their dysfunctional personal traits and destructive behaviors they inflict enduring harm on their followers and organizations. Hence, it is imperative that leaders take the first critical step of introspection to recognize deficiencies with their leadership style.

If leaders today can take the first step to focus and examine themselves more closely and consistently then a path for tomorrow’s leaders will have hope and promise.

The first way a leader might have an interruption is with an action plan. Somehow carefully planned goals get derailed. These could be unexpected, overlooked, or unanticipated challenges. A good leader will acknowledge the oversight, regroup, and keep moving forward.

Also, leaders might encounter a distraction with their thoughts. Daydreaming or brainstorming might the first set of distractions. Another facet might be stress-induced or rest-mandated trains of thought. At this point, leaders might consider other opportunities through the interruptions that emerge. No harm, no foul as long as the leader stays focused.

Finally, leaders might be prone to accept the agenda of others. Whenever there are multiple angles and dynamics at play with a leader’s action plan there is always the possibility of distraction. We can see this when a coach has an agenda and then a team player has another goal in mind. The coach’s action plan might be influenced in various ways.

Regardless of the interruptions that emerge, it is up to each leader to stay the course.

Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success

Her tenacity to persevere was an inspiration for so many people. She certainly inspired me. Since the beginning of her recovery process, she has been on a quest to bounce back. In the midst of it all, she is still gave back to others and her constituents.

Despite her ailments, she found the courage to learn how to speak and walk again. With physical and speech therapy she has made great strides and still has more progress ahead. But, it was not just triumph over debilitating ailments. On the contrary, it was her inner courage to keep on going despite the odds that makes us marvel.

In the midst of her own personal struggle, she still has found time and energy to honor other victims and survivors from that fateful January day. She put aside her own challenges and fears. Her measured words acknowledge those who courageously stepped up that day to help others. Her passionate thoughts reflect about those who did not survive.

Above all, her recovery and graceful resignation brought momentary unity to the dysfunction that thwarts Washington lawmakers. She was willingly celebrated by her congressional colleagues, regardless of partisanship. Her triumph has brought together collective support acknowledging her wisdom and fortitude.

Would it not be a tremendous feat if we had more leaders who worry less about their vulnerability and more about showing inner courage? It is high time for us all to take notes from Giffords’ dynamic inspiration to overcome and give back at the same time.

Dawn McCoy
author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success

But, it was not just a moment for the photo albums but more a chance for me to reflect. In those split seconds, I considered about all the possibilities that might be and all the history that transpired. Let me share what I mean.

Leaders assuming a new position often cherish the opportunity to impart wisdom to another. They take it seriously that they have reached the status of regarded elder, highly respected teacher, and sought-after-advisor. It is like no other opportunity when a seasoned leader has the chance to open the encyclopedia of knowledge and guide a newbie.

Likewise, an up-and-coming star looks to the mature for guidance and insight. Protégés appreciate the mentoring and teaching that comes without asking. In the same way, they ask for details about how to learn the ropes, how to avoid pitfalls, and how to manage the seemingly impossible. How little they know but how eager they are to learn!

When all the stars align and our new and future leaders meet then there is an unwritten imperative. Take seriously every opportunity to share wisdom. It just might be a once in a lifetime chance.

Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success