We all have somewhat different perspectives in life due to our experiences, culture, gender, race, religion, geography, family, and more. And those differing perspectives lead us to be able to hear, learn from, and be inspired by different mentors too. For example, due to our gender, jobs, and upbringing, my husband and I have both same and different people that speak to us, inspire us. The same is true with my children, other family members, and friends. That is why it is important to speak up and to seek those who speak to you to, and that is why it is important to take care with your voice--someone is listening, someone is following what you say.
Some speak, and many listen. They have popular voices that appeal to many, inspire many, lead many. Michelle Obama is an individual like that. So many read her book, Becoming. I loved that book. It spoke to me. It is good to recognize these popular voices, give them a try, discuss them with others, and decide what you think and what impact those voices will have on your actions and thoughts going forward.
Some may speak to very few voices--it could be that leader at work, in the neighborhood, or part of your family--these are not the kind of voices that many hear, but these voices are significant too, and provide great mentoring for the work you do and the ideas you forward.
I think it's amazing that we are drawn to so many different and same voices. I find the same amazement in the variety of music we are drawn to as individuals. This situation calls us to be listeners--it encourages us to discuss this topic with our friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues. Whose voices speaks to you? Why? How have those voices affected your life? And who listens to you? How do you share your voice? What considerations do you make when sharing your ideas?
Too often we may simply listen and follow without thinking deeply about the words and the speaker. We have to consider carefully the voices we listen to and the leadership those words create for us. Is it positive, valuable, life enriching, good? Or are those words angry, detrimental, hurtful, life-ending?
I want to think more about this as I choose who I read and listen to, and as I write too.