Simply defined, leadership is “motivating a group of people to achieve a common goal.” However, with effective leadership comes responsibility.
“The price of greatness is responsibility,” a quote from Winston Churchill’s autobiography. A favorite expression of President Theodore Roosevelt was “Leaders lead, bosses drive.”
Forbes listed three fundamentals of effective leadership: 1. inspire successful vision; 2. excel at communicating; 3. use good judgement. I would add: 4. be ethical.
Whether in government, business or family life, effective leadership is a necessity for successful results; unfortunately, our country is failing in all three. Currently, partisan, dysfunctional government in Washington, lack of ethics in corporate America, failure of our educational system and deterioration of our family unit indicates effective leadership is lacking throughout our society.
Congress and administration approval by Americans is at an all- time low. Parental responsibility continues to decline, while selfish irresponsibility, found in all aspects of society, continues to rise.
Is there a lesson here? To begin, successful, common sense leadership starts by leading by personal example, by being a positive motivator and communicator, inspiring integrity and higher moral values. Quiet, effective leadership, then, can simply be the genuine caring for our fellow man.
A good guide was set by Mahatma Gandhi, who said, “Recognize the good in people and help them grow.”
Discouraged? Don’t be. You and I in the Lowcountry can encourage society to live by these standards and values by quietly setting the right example in our own daily lives. Live the moment; we can make a difference.
Earle Everett
Moss Creek
To the Editor:
I am not the melodramatic type, so please excuse my use of the word “aghast” to describe how I felt after reading Mayor Sulka’s editorial in the Oct. 15 edition of The Bluffton Sun. I give her a lot of credit for broaching this very sensitive subject, but it was a bitter pill for me to swallow.
I nearly fell off my chair when I read that “92% of the total land area” of Bluffton is committed to development. The Mayor’s article cemented my suspicions that Bluffton will someday be just like many Florida cities, where just about every square inch is paved over.
If, according to the Mayor, the agreements of prior Councils have tied their hands, then the current Council may as well just sit back, put their feet up, and watch this tidal wave of development unfold.
Unfortunately, future generations will never know the natural beauty that Bluffton once had to offer, and what the editor of The Bluffton Sun once wrote about on the joys of living in these parts. Instead, they will have lots of self-storage facilities to choose from, a glut of grocery stores to shop in, fast food chains to dine in, and whatever else can be built over almost every blade of grass and fallen tree.
I refuse to sulk over Mayor Sulka’s article. Not worth the time or the aggravation.
Good thing that developers cannot build homes and buildings in the skies and on the water. Or can they?
Gene Ceccarelli
Bluffton
To the Editor:
Each day, national and local companies have a choice to reach out and make a difference in the world.
On Oct. 17, Peacock Subaru hosted its fourth annual Subiestock concert event benefiting Palmetto Animal League. Over 200 people enjoyed free food, beverages, door prizes and live music by rock band Cranford Hollow.
Fee-waived pet adoptions were made possible through a generous grant from the ASPCA, and, thanks to Peacock Subaru, BOB 106.9, Rewind 107.9, WJCL, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun, five wonderful shelter pets found their forever home.
In addition, event attendees donated a huge assortment of pet food and supplies for the PAL Adoption Center and donated a total of $1,400!
As a private, nonprofit, no kill animal rescue organization, PAL relies solely on community involvement and investment by charitable “Partners in Rescue” – businesses like those that helped make Subiestock a success for the animals. And of course, we owe much of that success to the people who came out that night, enjoyed great weather and a fun party, while opening their hearts and their wallets to help abandoned, abused and neglected animals in our community.
Thank you for all you do for PAL and the animals under our care. Your support saves lives!
We encourage everyone to join the No Kill Movement. You can act now and change the life of a homeless pet this holiday season. Adopt, foster, donate or volunteer at PalmettoAnimalLeague.org. These are “Lives Worth Saving.”
Amy Campanini
President, Palmetto Animal League
To the Editor:
Hopeful Horizons wishes to thank The Bargain Box for their years of support.
Funding from The Bargain Box is used to ensure that victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault in Southern Beaufort County have access to life-changing services and support. The Bluffton office of Hopeful Horizons offers a full array of services for survivors, including evidence-based trauma treatment, advocacy and support groups.
Our presence in the Bluffton-Hilton Head area is critical – we’ve served more than 500 survivors at our Bluffton office since January.
The Bargain Box has provided grant support to Hopeful Horizons to provide life-saving assistance 24/7 and for ensuring that evidence-based services are provided to victims at no cost. With community support from individuals and organizations like The Bargain Box, we will end abuse and save lives in the Lowcountry.
The Hopeful Horizons crisis hotline operates 24/7 and can be reached at 800-868-2632. Hopeful Horizons is a children’s advocacy, domestic violence and rape crisis center that works to create safer communities by changing the culture of violence and offering a path to healing. The organization provides safety, hope and healing to survivors through evidence-based practices, outreach, prevention and education.
Hopeful Horizons serves Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper and Allendale counties. For more information on our mission and vision, visit hopefulhorizons.org.
Kristin Dubrowski
CEO, Hopeful Horizons
To the Editor:
A big shout out “thank you” to the students and faculty of Bluffton’s Red Cedar Elementary School.
Each year a program is presented during November honoring all veterans. A special presentation, featuring singing patriotic songs and performing skits, is graciously and impeccably performed for family, friends and all veterans.
Each veteran receives a packet of handmade cards, drawn and written by the students, a special seating section, and each branch of the military is individually honored.
Mr. Kooi, the music teacher, has individually transformed each student into a “star” for the night. Their smiles and energy along with their dedication are gratefully appreciated.
Art Ranta, USAF
Bluffton
To the Editor:
Was glad to see I’m not alone when I read the Letter to the Editor in the Nov. 5 Bluffton Sun calling for a stop to the increasing number of billboards on Hwy 278.
I’ve previously done my rant through another paper about the ongoing installations of huge, obnoxious, in-your-face billboards along our 278 corridor. If I need a doctor/lawyer/professional of any kind I won’t be selecting one from a billboard – there are plenty of other reliable resources available for exploring my needs.
And I definitely would never select a service from a billboard whose company deems it necessary to take pot shots at their competitor(s) – i.e., calling them “clowns.” Is a company so insecure about their professional services they find it necessary to demean others? How mean-spirited have we become?
Barbara Costa
Bluffton
