The Builder's Manifesto

The Builder's Manifesto - I read this a few months back and just returned to my notes from the article. It's a great piece that's well worth taking the time to read (in my humble opinion. :)) I certainly don't agree with the article in its entirety but I certainly value the information presented. A portion of it is included below:

The 21st century doesn't need more leaders - nor more leadership. Only Builders can kickstart the chain reaction of a better, more authentic kind of prosperity.

How can you become one? Here are the ten principles of Constructivism (contrasted with these principles of leadership), just a few from the article:

-The boss inspires fear; the leader inspires enthusiasm. The Builder is inspired — by changing the world.
-The boss says "I"; the leader says "we". The Builder says "all" — people, communities, and society.
-The boss assigns the task, the leader sets the pace. The Builder sees the outcome.
-The boss says, "Get there on time;" the leader gets there ahead of time. The Builder makes sure "getting there" matters.
-The boss knows how; the leader shows how. The Builder shows why.
-The boss makes work a drudgery; the leader makes work a game. The Builder organizes love, not work.
-The boss says, "Go;" the leader says, "Let's go." The Builder says: "come."

My Most Favorite Beamlak Moments of the Week

1.
In the car on the ride home tonight after her Amharic lessons,
Beamlak: Mom, you know, girls can save the world and boys drool.
Me: (Laughing just a bit) Really?
Beamlak: Yes, mom. Boys think that they can just do everything, but everyone can do something. Girls can do it too.
Me: You are absolutely right hunnie, you are so smart, everyone can do something in the world.
Beammlak: Yes, they can.
Me: Were the kids talking about your T-shirt today? (she was wearing her "girls can save the world" T-shirt)
Beamlak: No, I just know that.
Me: Well I'm so happy to hear that you know that. You're such a smart girl sweetie.

2.
Again in the car on the way home tonight,
Beamlak: Mom, I'm going to call the Ethiopian flag.
Me: Good idea!
Beamlak: Ring, ring... Hello!
Me: Hello!
Beamlak: Who is this?
Me: The Ethiopian flag, how are you doing?
Beamlak: I'm doing good. How are you?
Me: I'm doing well, thank you. So, can you tell me a few things about Ethiopia?
Beamlak: Yes!
Me: OK, so what color am I?
Beamlak: Green, Yellow and Red.
Me: Good job!! That's right! Can you tell me what Ethiopian Orthodox people wear to church?
Beamlak: clothes?
Me: Yes, you are correct (with a chuckle), they do wear clothes. Do you know what kind? What color gabbi do they wear?
Beamlak: White! Dresses!
Me: Awesome! You're right! Good job! What else can you tell me about Ethiopia?
Beamlak: They need families.
Me: You're right, there are many children who need families (this one just floored me as we haven't spoken much about this besides how it relates to my work and why I was traveling to Colombia, more on this later).

3.
She is now determined to learn Spanish! She has a LOVE for languages and I'm so proud of her for wanting to learn more about people throughout the world. It's so much fun for her to discover the differences and similarities of places around the world. Upon my return from Colombia she was just enthralled with learning about what they do with all the items I brought back, how/if I could understand when people spoke Spanish, etc. Her school is offering weekly Spanish lessons for the Spring quarter so she's beginning those next week! I simply couldn't say no, she was too excited to join before I could contest!

4.
She did so well during my trip last week to Colombia (thank you amazing friends for taking her in, she had a blast!). She's now an even BIGGER cuddle bug than ever and I just can't get enough of it.

5.
She is determined to read chapter books this week! It's quite a leap from where she's at, but she's confident she'll be able to do it. I just LOVE and ADORE her inexhaustible confidence and determination.

And there is so much more that I want to include but just cannot tonight - I'm certainly feeling MUCH better but still a bit out of it. I hope to follow up soon!

To all a good night!