Throughout history there are many first. Mae Jemison was the first African American woman astronaut in space and added her name to a roster of firsts. Interestingly enough, her experiences, background, and insight are useful for leaders to follow.
As one among “the first” she set a trend when she said “never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” How profound that she took pause to reflect on her own adversity and courage to set foot in space. One can only imagine the obstacles and naysayers she experienced along her journey.
By the same token, she has remained a constant mentor thinking about others and supporting their dreams. In other words, just because mentors cannot see the vision does not meant they should limit that perspective for their protégés. Beyond her first step in space in the 1990s, she serves as an advocate and inspiration to youth around the world.
If today’s leaders paused to think beyond limitations from others and for others then more possibilities might be imagined and realized.
Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
