West Ottawa Living Guide 2017

Page 44

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BE A LEADER _______ If you focus on the person you can become; success, accomplishment and happiness will follow.

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ave you ever heard the term ‘natural born leader’? What comes to mind? A person with confidence, influence and passion. Someone with vision, clarity and who seems to attract success. These would be some common traits of leaders we see around the world today and hopefully in our everyday lives. The simple definition of leader is someone who others follow. How a leader creates a following can be more complicated. And one wonders, ‘how common is the mere pursuit of effective leadership?’ It has been said we are facing a global leadership gap. Fortunately, we have among us those who are working toward closing that gap in Ottawa. I have spent many years working in community development and advocating for leadership in business, organizations and schools. So when I came to Ottawa and began looking for ways to support our business community, one of the first things I investigated were the opportunities to create and build leaders. I was impressed to learn that our community has groups of volunteers and business people committed to leadership growth. These groups host annual telecast conferences featuring some of the world’s foremost thought leaders. What an amazing use of technology to share information and inspiration and gather thousands of people together at one time to learn how to become better leaders in their lives, their businesses and their communities. I have attended many of these events over the years and never cease to be amazed by the wealth of knowledge and potential for growth that is made possible by the simple act of actively listening to and networking with fellow change makers. It can be challenging to prioritize

the art of personal growth in our busy schedules. However, those that make the time and focus on improving their skills and character will eventually out-perform those who do not. In work and in life. We have many leaders in our community doing important things in business and community building. The best leaders understand there is unlimited potential to improve and they are continually pursuing growth opportunities. And true leaders work to create more leaders. The one key goal for any of us is to be our best. If you focus on the person you can become; success, accomplishment and happiness will follow. The real question is, who do you want to be? If you are an individual who wishes to improve your quality of life and relationships, be more successful in your chosen profession and contribute more to your community then be a leader. If you are a business owner or manager who is looking for a way to grow and increase your bottom line by developing your greatest asset, your people, then be a creator of leaders. If you are a community leader, a parent, a teacher or a mentor who wants to elevate our community and close the leadership gap then share the message about improving leadership. Start with Leadership Ottawa. This group of volunteers organize events filled with networking, learning and inspiration. We look forward to your next big idea and the impact you will have on those you love, your business and your community. Be great today. Be a leader.

Sueling Ching | CEO West Ottawa Board of Trade The West Ottawa Board of Trade is a nonprofit, nonpartisan business association, independently driven and funded by business members. Their mission is to create a prosperous environment in which businesses and individuals thrive through economic development and providing value added services. They are advocates. They are change makers. They are connectors.

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WEST OTTAWA BOARD OF TRADE


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