BatKid, the movie, just came out a few weeks ago, and with its release we are able to relive the life changing event that occurred for 5 year old Miles Scott. This young boy battled leukemia and once in remission found the Make-A-Wish foundation and the nation at large rallying behind him, making his biggest dream come true: the chance to be the real Batman.
If you so much as watch as the two minute trailer for the movie, let alone read this amazing story, you find yourself overcome with the power of the human spirit. In November of 2013, compelled solely by this child, thousands of volunteers, city officials, businesses and supporters worked together to turn the city of San Francisco, California into Batman's Gotham City. Before launching this endeavor, Miles's story had gone viral across the world wide web, and on the day of the event, supporters from all corners of the nation had flown in to experience this milestone with Miles. It is estimated that over 12,000 people lined the streets and sidewalks along the route Miles traveled as BatKid. And along the way a nation united played along as BatKid saved the city from Batman's classic menaces: The Joker, The Riddler and The Penguin. His adventure that day were epic, and what started as an opportunity to make one kid's dreams come true, turned into an event that touched and changed the lives of thousands of people.
In light of the class I am finishing, focused on leadership, I can't help but see a leader in a 5 year old kid. Simon Sinek, an intellect who studies inspirational leadership and author of the book Leaders Eat Last says, "There are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders are in a position of power or authority, but those who lead inspire us....whether they are individuals or organizations. We follow not because we have to but because we want to." He goes on, quite convincingly, to note that followers follow if they believe what you believe. He also notes, if you hire people just because they can do a job than they'll take your money, but if you hire people who believe what you believe they'll work for you with blood and sweat and tears.
Miles Scott had a dream. He's a kid. He made a wish. But he also has the heart of a lion - he fought and overcame cancer, and by doing so made others believe they can to. Make-A-Wish foundation believed what he believed. The thousands gathered believed what he believed. And in response those involved gave their blood, sweat and tears to the cause. By extension, in a single instant, inspiration transpired, leaving a city and a nation transformed.
It's a good thing leaders comes in all shapes and sizes.
No comments:
Post a Comment