Leadership from the Best

I am blessed to be part of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, an organization focusing on helping the poor. In my volunteer role, and always with another member, we go out weekly and visit the poor in their humble apartments in order to bring them food, clothing or other necessary emergency assistance. Our Executive Director Lorraine Moriarty, also a Vincentian, and a name we call ourselves in this service established by Frederic Ozanam in 1831 after St. Vincent de Paul who was dedicated to service of the poor. During our board meeting last evening, she moved through a large agenda with ease, coached the new Board President as to the ways of the parliamentary procedures with gentle guidance, and encouraged the group's spirituality with her loving way of being. As I meet many leaders in my day to day work, Lorraine stands out as one of the best. Leadership is something that can be learned and I also believe a vocation. Last night I observed and hope to assimilate two of Lorraine's key differentiators in leadership: commitment and love to a cause and to the people who are part of the cause. Today I will lead with love and a renewed commitment in this service to the poor and in my daily interactions at work and home.