My daddy used to tell me to ask for the things I wanted or needed. He would say that, “You should ask because you have a fifty percent chance of getting what you want. And if you don’t get what you want, you are no worse off than before you asked.” He was a smart man.
I have learned that I have less difficulty asking for things when the result of the ask translates to something beneficial to other folks in my village. In addition, I have found that people tend to respond with positivity and generosity when they realize that my energies are focused on uplifting others and enhancing the community. My history of asking people to participate in village building with me has demonstrated to them that I own the fact that I don’t know everything and that I value the fact that they are masters of something that I have not mastered. Honestly, I don’t really care to know everything. Why you ask? Because it is really not that important to me that I know the details of every imaginable thing. Who has the mental capacity or the physical strength for that?
I recognized years ago that the foundation of a prosperous community rested in the human capital within the community. Prosperous communities have consistently demonstrated an appreciation for the special talents and unique abilities of each member. Because I always want my community at home, in the neighborhood, and at work to be prosperous, I work to identify the areas of expertise and giftedness of those around me. Then, I dream and envision ways that I can encourage, empower, and enlighten those around me knowing that these outcomes will enhance the community as a whole. Often my visions of greatness can’t and won’t be realized without the input and contributions of others. I must boldly state the objectives and goals to people equipped to help me attain the deliverables. Some have called me a master connector of people and ideas or said I was good at networking. I call myself an excellent village builder with an appreciation of the diversity of cultures, skill sets, personalities, interests, and uniquenesses that surrounds me.
As a village builder, I have learned that the teachings of my parents, Charles and Lola, apply and rule. My father once told me, “Baby, you might not change the world, but you can make a difference in the place where you find yourself.” My mother always told me, “Leave it better than you found it.” With the help of the creative, driven, generous specialists in my villages, I seek to accomplish two goals:
- To impact somebody’s world in a positive way every day and
- To leave each situation better than how I found it.
Most people welcome opportunities to live their gifts and talents loudly to the glory of a goal that serves to plant seeds of greatness, cultivate greatness, or celebrate the plentiful harvest that represents hard work and sacrifice. Finally, I love the collective eagerness of individuals to promote and encourage my excitement about inspiring the dreams, needs, or goals of others incapable of accomplishing the same alone or without the input and support of a supportive village. I absolutely love being the writer and conductor of a symphony created by villagers eager to live their passions loud enough that they create a memorable melody resounding with hope and prosperity for others in our space.