Lead by example, Harbour said

Leadership starts with a personal vision.

So believes -- and teaches -- Mike Harbour, president of Harbour Resources who is a speaker, author and John Maxwell certified leadership trainer. He spoke to Pea Ridge teachers inspiring and encouraging them to develop leadership skills within themselves and pass that on to their students.

"We have to cast a vision for ourselves of what leadership looks like, then, we connect that vision with our values -- good solid moral values and let that be our leading compass," Harbour said, adding that he asks himself "Am I leading with that personal vision and purpose. Is it in alignment with my values, values that call people up, that draw people up?"

"Leadership is not about holding people down ... it's about lifting people up and developing leaders," he said.

Harbour, who has a bachelor's degree in health management service, had is own business since 2006 helping in health care. He said he began using the leadership principles in his own life and began "heading hunting for recruiting leaders."

"I feel like the world is yearning for great leadership right now. We are all called but some people don't have the confidence, the skills, to do it. I want to take people from where they are to where they want to be," he said.

Everything we do is leadership, Harbour said, in personal and professional life. He said leadership is more than telling people what to do, it's about relationships and building trust and teachers can do this for children who may not have this kind of leadership in their homes.

"Leadership starts in the home," he said. "What we have to do is find that leader within ourself... and teach kids how to lead well, lead well within our own lives, within our homes, with kids... outside the home, community.

"It's not telling people what to do," he said, adding that one needs a strong moral compass. "We can not give what we do not have."

Harbour, who has been married 23 years, said that leadership is about serving others and adding value. "It begins with me, with me as a parent ... and is not fear based."

Pea Ridge Schools have adopted the Leader In Me program and will be teaching leadership skills to students along with character qualities.

Community on 08/26/2015