A truly great dancer...and a truly great leader!

Mississippi NLCSO

Dancing is so much more than steps. As silly as it sounds, this comment is true with leadership as well. Leading is so much more than words and meetings.

The other night I had a chance to flip on the TV (yes, I do watch TV on occasion), and the show "So you think you can Dance" was on. During the short segment I saw, the judges talked about how dancing is more than just technique and motions...you have to "feel" it. A truly good dancer shows their passion through their eyes, as if you can see their heart shining through in their dance. I immediately thought about a truly great leader. A great leader is like a good dancer in the sense that their heart and passion shines through in all that they do.

This past week, Morgan and I had the honor to meet 27 amazing dancers, well leaders actually.


We were down south where the associations of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Puerto Rico at the Mississippi FFA center for the National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO). During this four day conference Morgan and I saw the passion, enthusiasm, drive, and servant-hearts of these state officers through their words and actions.



Much of our time this week was spent learning about team development, effective workshops, implementing vision, and commitment to team and self; however, we had some more personal interaction as well. My most memorable moments came from those conversations during meals, late at night, and during our social outing at the bowling alley. It was during these times that I really got to see what motivates each of these young leaders. Whether it was an influential agricultural teacher, a role model in the FFA previous to them, or just a love of helping others...each of these state officers has a reason they love doing what they do.


For these 27 students, their year is just beginning. They have the opportunity to live out their dream of serving as a state officer. It is important for all of us to remember however, that no matter what your title is, what truly makes a difference is your actions. For all of us, state officer or not, don't be afraid to take initiative and be the leader you wish to be. We always have the power to take action on a vision is we believe in it enough.

Dancing is so much more than steps. Leading is so much more than words. To those state officers present at the NLCSO in Raymond, Miss., this past week, thank you for what you have and will continue to do for FFA. Continue to grow and use your new knowledge to act on the vision you have for your states. For all of those who were not present at this NLCSO, you can be a great leader as well (you probably already are). Follow your heart and take action!

Best of luck to all of you, and know that if you ever need a mentor, friend, or just an ear to listen...I'm here for you.