Most of us are familiar with the term Pay it Forward. And while today it feels like a pop culture phenomenon, it is much more than a movie theme.  It is a proven concept that claims a small act of kindness can create a profound, positive impact, especially when it creates a chain reaction.

I feel strongly that as good corporate citizens, it is important to give back.  I have shared countless examples of our team at Creative Choice Group helping the communities we serve. From tutoring, food drives, to social activities for seniors and job fairs, we are committed to improving the quality of life for those in need.  And while generosity and compassion are key components to paying it forward, it is really leadership that enables us, as people, to influence and truly drive change.

Reflecting on my own career, my professional life has been impacted for the better by key leaders and mentors who took an interest in helping me grow.  I am sure you can think of a person in your career that has made an impact.  These are the people that often take you under their wing and make time to help discover your true potential and more importantly inspire you to take action to achieve your dreams.

As a leader myself and someone that has had tremendous good fortune in my life, I believe it is not only my job but a privilege to pay it forward to others.  It is my belief that to do this well, one must lead by example.  That means be honest, be committed, continuously seek ways to improve and most importantly, make the time necessary to give to others.

The blessings we enjoy today are all the result of past leaders who built positive legacies through those they interacted with. These people like Martin Luther King changed lives and our world for the better by paying forward a desire to become more as individuals and as people.  As leaders we have the opportunity and the power to change the world one person at a time!

So as we move forward, I challenge each of us as leaders to think of the impact we have on individuals and the world.  I pose a few important questions to ponder:

• What will be your legacy as a leader?
• What will you pass onto the future generations?
• Do you do enough to make a positive difference?
• Are paying forward positive beliefs, behaviors, and hope worth adding the skills and techniques to become that kind of leader?