.png)
By Advocate Scott, Class of 2017
 |
| Advocate Scott |
I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan! The books and the movies are amazing. This is a series you can enjoy over and over again and always get something new out of it. The battle for Middle Earth never gets old. But it all started with The Hobbit. And as I watched the new Hobbit movie again (part 2 comes out in December!!!) a couple weeks ago I got something out of it that I never had before—life lessons.
I decided to write about it as a continuation of notes my mom and I have done together called “10 Lessons”. We began with “10 Lessons in organizing” from Harry Potter, and then “10 Lessons in organizing” from Transformers. She’s now doing “10 Lessons in service” from the Hunger Games. Because I’m a first year McConnell Scholar I’ve been focused on gaining leadership development lessons from Plato, to Eleanor Roosevelt; from General Marshall to Sherlock Holmes. So here are my 10 Lessons in Community Leadership from The Hobbit.
1. BE ADAPTABLE – Thror, a King, fell in love with gold so much that it became a sickness; "and where sickness thrives, bad things follow". People and things are not going to remain constant. A leader must be able to let go and move on without becoming obsessed and distracted.
2. REMEMBER YOUR HISTORY – A blast from the past teaches us the mistakes and triumphs of previous leaders. History also serves to unify a people just as it did for the dwarves fighting in memory of Erebor, the great mountain city. Above all, history gives an appreciation for the work you are doing and the reasons your work is important.
3. HELP OTHERS – It should be obvious, but when someone needs help…help them. A good leader gets dirty with the workers, doesn’t give "no" for an answer, tries to help as many as possible, and leaves no one behind.
4. EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY – The leader of the party, Thorin Oakenshield, pointed out that although his followers may not be the best of the best, they had “loyalty, honor, and a willing heart”. We are not all born and bred to do the same thing and work the same way, but we all bring something to the table. Appreciate those who stand with you because when everyone’s strengths are used there is no weak link.
5. YOU ARE SOMEBODY – It was sad to watch Bilbo tell the dwarf that he was abandoning the quest because he did not think he was made of the right stock. In reality he was one of the greatest assets to that team. You’ve already got the potential to be a great leader; embrace your gifts. Dream, believe, strive, and you will achieve.
6. BE SELF-LESS – Thorin, while talking to Gandalf, refused to solicit the help of the elves because they refused to help his grandfather ages ago. By letting his pride get in the way he ignored an option that could have greatly helped his people. Leaders sometimes forget leading is not about personal issues with a group or with a person. Remember the famous “ask not” line? Leading is about doing what is best for others; making personal sacrifices is part of the job
7. STAY FOCUSED – When Gandalf was meeting with Elrond, Saruman, and Lady Galadriel in Rivendell he sent his band onward to continue their quest. Acting as a good leader Gandalf understood that while he may be tied up the others could not lose focus because that would jeopardize too much.
8. SPEAK UP – To truly lead you must want, above all else, to accomplish what is best for those you represent. In order to do this, you must be fair but firm in your requests, and clear and consistent with your demands
9. TAKE RISKS – Never let there be a moment when you look back and wonder what could have happened if you had stepped out and took a chance. Of course you’ll make mistakes when you take risks; but that’s part of learning, that’s part of making progress. Bilbo Baggins almost missed his opportunity to go on the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on yours.
10. KEEP HOPE ALIVE – Yes it’s cliché! But whether you are serving, organizing, following, or leading always have hope. Have a sprinkle of faith that your compassion will affect someone’s life; and have hope that your work will change the world.
1. BE ADAPTABLE – Thror, a King, fell in love with gold so much that it became a sickness; "and where sickness thrives, bad things follow". People and things are not going to remain constant. A leader must be able to let go and move on without becoming obsessed and distracted.
2. REMEMBER YOUR HISTORY – A blast from the past teaches us the mistakes and triumphs of previous leaders. History also serves to unify a people just as it did for the dwarves fighting in memory of Erebor, the great mountain city. Above all, history gives an appreciation for the work you are doing and the reasons your work is important.
3. HELP OTHERS – It should be obvious, but when someone needs help…help them. A good leader gets dirty with the workers, doesn’t give "no" for an answer, tries to help as many as possible, and leaves no one behind.
4. EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY – The leader of the party, Thorin Oakenshield, pointed out that although his followers may not be the best of the best, they had “loyalty, honor, and a willing heart”. We are not all born and bred to do the same thing and work the same way, but we all bring something to the table. Appreciate those who stand with you because when everyone’s strengths are used there is no weak link.
5. YOU ARE SOMEBODY – It was sad to watch Bilbo tell the dwarf that he was abandoning the quest because he did not think he was made of the right stock. In reality he was one of the greatest assets to that team. You’ve already got the potential to be a great leader; embrace your gifts. Dream, believe, strive, and you will achieve.
6. BE SELF-LESS – Thorin, while talking to Gandalf, refused to solicit the help of the elves because they refused to help his grandfather ages ago. By letting his pride get in the way he ignored an option that could have greatly helped his people. Leaders sometimes forget leading is not about personal issues with a group or with a person. Remember the famous “ask not” line? Leading is about doing what is best for others; making personal sacrifices is part of the job
7. STAY FOCUSED – When Gandalf was meeting with Elrond, Saruman, and Lady Galadriel in Rivendell he sent his band onward to continue their quest. Acting as a good leader Gandalf understood that while he may be tied up the others could not lose focus because that would jeopardize too much.
8. SPEAK UP – To truly lead you must want, above all else, to accomplish what is best for those you represent. In order to do this, you must be fair but firm in your requests, and clear and consistent with your demands
9. TAKE RISKS – Never let there be a moment when you look back and wonder what could have happened if you had stepped out and took a chance. Of course you’ll make mistakes when you take risks; but that’s part of learning, that’s part of making progress. Bilbo Baggins almost missed his opportunity to go on the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on yours.
10. KEEP HOPE ALIVE – Yes it’s cliché! But whether you are serving, organizing, following, or leading always have hope. Have a sprinkle of faith that your compassion will affect someone’s life; and have hope that your work will change the world.
“It is the small things, everyday deeds, ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay, simple acts of kindness and love.” ~Gandalf
Advocate Scott is a freshman McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. He is studying Psychology, Spanish, and Political Science.