Harriet Tubman’s Leadership Qualities are Keys for Today’s Emerging Leaders
“I freed a thousand slaves – I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” ~ Harriet Tubman
Freedom is a universal value. We all want to be free from abuse, struggle, pain or fear…free from circumstances that keep us mentally or emotionally enslaved. Ultimately, we want to be free to be and do our best; to pursue and fulfill our dreams; live our Soul’s Calling or Divine Purpose and share our talents to empower those we serve or help transform the world.
How did Harriet Tubman, an enslaved woman who loved her family and worked hard, yet was abused as a young girl by multiple slave masters, who never learned to read or write, ignite her enduring passion for freedom, freedom not only for herself, but for others as well? Harriet escaped the plantation in Maryland, following the North Star to freedom, by way of the Underground Railroad, a system of Safe Houses established by Quakers, other whites and free blacks, where run-away slaves could rest, eat and get instructions to continue their perilous escape to the North. She continued until she crossed the border between slave-holding and non-slaveholding states, making her way to Philadelphia, where she worked odd jobs for about a year, saving her money.
With freedom and compassion in her heart, Harriet returned to the South 19 times, freeing more than 300 enslaved people, including siblings and her elderly parents. She became one of the most famous Conductors on the Underground Railroad.
“I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.” ~ Harriet Tubman
What qualities did she exemplify to transform her life and that of others; qualities that women today can cultivate to become empowered leaders in their industry or field; empowered leaders who can help bring about justice and peace in the world. What can you learn from Harriet’s commitment, courage and tenacity to create your own leadership legacy?
Although there are several qualities that she embodied, let me highlight 3 qualities: Vision, Faith and Support.
- Develop Your Vision – see in your heart and mind’s eye what you want to create, manifest or achieve. Seek to identify the ‘why’ of your vision. Allow the ‘why’ to be a guiding light and focus. Create a vision board or altar as a tangible reminder of your vision. Just as Harriet Tubman kept focused on freedom, using the North Star to guide her…
- What is your North Star?
- Cultivate Your Faith – Following your vision requires faith, tenacity, stamina; beginning with an unwavering belief in yourself, trust in a Higher Power and faith to follow the course, regardless of perceived or real obstacles.
- How are you demonstrating faith in your vision?
- What are the spiritual practices that strengthen your courage and commitment?
- Build Your Team – No matter how talented, driven or resourced, you can’t achieve anything alone. Whether it’s a family member, colleague or business partner, it’s essential to have a support system with which you can share the process, delegate certain tasks and stay accountable.
- How would you describe your current support system?
- In what way(s) are you demonstrating conscious leadership?
To explore these and other questions related to developing your leadership, please schedule a complimentary Cultivating Leadership Strategy Session with me at:https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/TWRUM8 This is a 45-minute phone session to identify current challenges, explore possibilities and discover your leadership potential. This session often helps women gain more clarity, insight and motivation.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ~ Harriet Tubman
What fabulous quotes you share here Harriet – I particularly like “I freed a thousand slaves – I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves”.
Isn’t that the truth, many people going through life not consciously connected to who they really are.
Love that your soul’s calling helps wake them up!
Thank you Kathleen. I appreciate your feedback and perspective. So vital that we wake up to who we are, what we’re here do do…and that we have the power to do it, with help of course, but nonetheless, yes we can free ourselves and others!