Sunflower Seeds: From my anthology...

As a leader

I believe in myself

I value myself, I know myself and I propel myself

I thrive in an innovation-driven environment

I develop the people around me

I recognise their worth

I give praise where praise is due

I place high value on relationships

I am comfortable with diversity

I respect all people

I confront issues directly

I don’t regard status as a threat

I do not label myself or allow others to do so

I value the input of others

I lead from the centre and I ask big-picture questions

I do not conform to masculinity I have a style that serves

I know my strengths and my weaknesses

I don’t pretend to know it all

I revise strategies in the face of impediments

I value the existence of teamwork

I can lead and I can follow

I fail, but I’m not a failure

I care about others and I respect their frame of reference

I believe in a shared vision

I break through barriers

I do not compromise my values

I promote good citizenship

I advocate the gift of giving

I motivate myself and others to action

I laugh and sing and dance

I believe in optimism and tenacity

I know my source of strength

I believe that vision is the audacity to see the invisible

I love myself

But most of all…

As a leader…I am leaving a legacy

From my anthology: Healing for Africa poetry