When things are not going well and everyone is struggling it’s easy to be overly critical, wanting to complain, and looking to blame others.
In these circumstances what you need most from your leaders is hope, the hope that no matter how tough it gets that you are capable of overcoming any challenge, that they will be right there with you, and the belief that things will get better.
The best way to do that is by making yourself available and visible, listening to the concerns of others, and being open and honest with them even when what you have to say is not popular. It may even call for you to do so with little to no support from anyone else.
To be a leader you must have the courage to be the candle in the night, especially when it’s darkest.
About willieryder
Willie Ryder spent 10 years in the United States Marine Corps working in Communications and Information Technology in multiple different Leadership roles. He then went to work at Microsoft where he has been for almost 15 years now working in Engineer, Manager, and Leadership roles.
Willie is very passionate about his personal and professional development and also helping others grow. Especially our next generation. He was an active member in Toastmasters for 8 years where he worked on his Communications and Leadership skills and has mentored many others in these areas.
Willie has been a year round youth basketball coach at www.YesICanBasketball.com for 13 years where he has had the wonderful opportunity to work with and coach 100's of kids of all ages. The past 6 years he has regularly volunteered to speak about character traits and mentor kids at the nearby public elementary schools. Over the last 3 years he has been a volunteer mentor with the nonprofit organization www.RightMovesForYouth.org where he tries to make a positive impact on some of the local High School students.
Willie has been married to Jennifer for 24 years. They have 2 daughters, a son, and a Siberian Husky. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family, attending and serving at Elevation Church, Coaching youth basketball, Writing, Public Speaking, Reading, and Running.
Willie Ryder - A Dreamer on a Journey 