I listened to a wonderful audio interview this morning with Robert Franklin, former president of Morehouse College and Visiting Professor at Stanford University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute. He was interviewed by the Rector of the Episcopal Church I attend here in Atlanta joined by Natasha Reid Rice, Associate Rector.

Dr. Franklin opens with , “We’re facing a moral crisis in America today.” Driven by our loss of our sense of humanity, consumed in the belief that we, our own self interest prevails over the needs of others. We all seem to have our own “micro” value system. Living with, consumed by our own self importance, intoxication with feelings that we sit in the center of the universe. All of life revolves around us.

Amidst the chaos is a crying need for moral leadership. Those among us courageous enough see, know that the very problems we face in our world call leaders, new and now … to stem the tide. To speak out boldly sharing the immutable truths and realities that have defined a healthy mankind for centuries.

I found this forty five minute interview erudite, provocative … defining. So many wonderful perspectives, concepts. Examples of great leaders of today and yesterday whose impact has been great among men.

While the majority here was relevant for me, there was one word picture Dr. Franklin offered that truly lit my fire. The concept of “centering down.” Traveling to the core of who we each are at our God given selves. I might describe my own experience of “centering down” as a reaching inward to soothe my soul … vibrate my self consciousness. Providing me opportunity periodically to realign, retune my values with my actions. “Centering down.” Such a beautiful portrayal of a process of meditation, prayer … simple, quiet time with oneself. The feeling for me? Like I’m slowly descending in a small elevator. 3-2-1 … counting myself down. Eyes closed. Shoulders relaxed. A feeling of moving into a very slight hypnotic state.

As the interview progressed, other thoughts came to me. Here are three deeply well educated scholars, authors offering their perspectives, their experiences they’d had with fellow great leaders. The ideals these leaders embraced … the books they’d written … their renown. Not in the sense of their great stature, but more about the humility, the authenticity with which they lived their lives.

Wonderful, nourishing stuff.

But then I was struck by what I felt was almost a lament from Dr. Franklin. A hope he expressed here was that there was a next generation of great new leaders ready to serve. Those who would further a more blessed journey … support the cause of moral leadership. Proactively. Take the baton and run with it. It felt though like he had his fingers crossed as he said it.
And then this thought hit me … “But what about me.” A question I can imagine many listening might be asking themselves too. How do I need to prepare myself to lead my journey ahead. What skills, tools, equipment do I need to go forth boldly. Lead my life living by my own moral imperative.

Are leaders born or made? A question often asked.
My take? When I worked with teams … my mantra was always. “Everyone’s a leader!” Leadership isn’t “out there.” It just doesn’t just reside in the bosses, the guys at the top. All need to find the leader inside themselves. “Surface the leader in you.”

Ok … but, again “Where do I start? How do I begin?” A class? One on one coaching? Books I might read to absorb … mimic even, the behaviors, presence that great leaders modeled. Exemplified.
I can remember times when I would pick a leader. Churchill, King others. Pretend I acted, behaved as they would. Played a role as if I was one of them. My way of building my leadership awareness.

The cry today following the tragic circumstances impacting minorities throughout the country? “Don’t just talk. Do something!” I agree. So in a sense I’m saying the same thing here. “Just do it!” Dr. Franklin has offered a compelling platform for leadership.

Now it’s about traction. People in motion. “Doing” leadership. Making true moral leadership a reality. Centering down to connect with our best selves. Contributing to our better future.