In the mirror.
Mulhern, who is a nationally recognized expert on leadership, spoke to nearly 50 Democrats who are interested in being precinct captains for the November election.
Leadership, he said, is more than military generals, presidents, and governors. People can be leaders in their everyday lives, on the "microcosmic level" of family and community.
The principles are the same, he said. Leaders need a vision -- Where are we going? -- and they need to exude energy.
Mulhern urged the precinct captains to think about their vision in "matchbook" terms -- something short and simple that they can carry around with them and that will light a fire in people. A vision doesn't have to be big and grand, but can be simple and immediate.
He also stressed that leadership isn't something that only starts at the top and filters down, but can also radiate from one person to another, or "side to side." That, he said, can be the most powerful kind of leadership.
"You're not getting paid. (You are involved) just because you care. ... That's a very powerful thing. You should never underestimate the power of side to side leadership," Mulhern said.
Having a simple, crisp, compelling message to take door to door also is powerful, he stressed. People today are innundated with messages from the internet, cable, newspapers, advertising, and other sources that they tend to tune them out. But a simple message from a real person can be powerful, he said.
Besides having a vision, the other job of leaders is to energize people, to get them moving. "The primary task of leadership is emotional, to prime good feeling in those they lead. ... To create positive energy in people is what it's all about," Mulhern said.
One way to do that is to have leaders who pitch in themselves when work needs to be done. It may only be symbolic, but it creates a powerful memory, he said.
Mulhern also signed copies of his book, Everyday Leadership, and took questions from the audience.
Afterward, Livingston County Democratic Party leaders provided training in how to organize precincts, recruit neighborhood volunteers, and identify voters for the November election.
Anyone interested in being a precinct captain or a neighborhood volunteer may email the party at livcodems@sbcuc.net. Training will continue at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 16, with a session that includes a conference with Democratic National Party Chair Howard Dean. The training will be at Livingston County Democratic Party Headquarters, 10321 E. Grand River, Suite 600 of the Fonda Office Park, Brighton.
Be a leader! Sign up today!
(Above) First Gentleman Dan Mulhern signs a copy of his book Everyday Leadership, for a volunteer at Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters.
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