There's too many selfish people in the world.
That's a point Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson strived to hit home Monday night to a banquet hall filled with longtime county officials as well as up-and-coming leaders. Grayson was this year's keynote speaker for Leadership Harlan County United's graduation program, which was held at Benham's School House Inn.
Grayson, who is the country's youngest secretary of state, encouraged 2006's Leadership Harlan County United class to develop reputations for giving and not taking. In essence, he said, that approach makes the best and most effective leaders.
“To be a giver - that's a very rare commodity these days,” Grayson said. “We tend to be a little bit selfish.”
He even encouraged everyone in attendance to become both “mentors and mentees.”
“Mentorship goes both ways,” he said. “It's good to share your knowledge and experience with others, but it's also good to learn from others.”
He pointed to the event program, which listed the 157 leadership graduates who have completed the leadership training initiative since it was launched in 1997.
“Call up some of these people for a non-agenda lunch,” Grayson said. “Just tell them you want to learn from them, get their ideas on issues and pick their brains. When you call someone up and you don't want money, don't want a job, don't want anything but to spend time with them, it develops better and more meaningful connections in the future. When you call someone up with no agenda, it freaks people out.”
During his time behind the speaker's podium, Grayson also told the graduating class of future leaders to take calculated risks, saying that too often in life people are afraid to leave their comfort zones. It is through risk, he pointed out, that accomplishments and progress are made.
“If no one in this group takes calculated risks, then I'm sure the leaders of this program will be disappointed,” Grayson said. “That's what they want you to do. That's what they've worked to instill within you. Stick your neck out and be bold.”
Grayson was elected in November of 2003 in his first run at a political office. Since the election, he has worked to modernize the office of Secretary of State by bringing more services online, enhanced Kentucky's election laws through several legislative packages and revived the civic mission of schools in Kentucky by leading the effort to restore civics education in the classroom.
In 2005, Grayson was selected for the inaugural class of the Aspen-Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership, which recognizes the nation's emerging leaders. In 2004, the Council of State Governments selected him to participate in the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program and the United Leaders organization recognized him as a “Rising Star” in the Republican Party.
Donna Cox, a 2005 graduate, also expounded on the value of being a giver when it comes to making marked and lasting differences within the community. Cox was selected to offer the leadership challenge during this year's graduation program.
She said effective leaders must have a vision.
“But most of all, strong leaders have to have caring hearts,” Cox said. “As a leader, your first interest should be in doing good for others. Being a great leader means being a servant first.”
Cox announced that this year's LHCU member Kathy Fox-Jones was selected to offer the leadership challenge to the 2007 graduating class.
Robert Gipe, Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College Appalachian Center's program director, was named Leadership Harlan County United's Alumni of the Year. A graduate of the 1998 class, Gipe received the award for his involvement in the “Higher Ground” community dramatic presentation during which the issue of drug abuse was brought to light.
Leadership Harlan County United is a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance leadership and develop new and emerging leaders within Harlan County.
“This is our 10th-year celebration,” said LHCU longtime chair and SKCTC dean Paul Pratt. “This has been a good group of participants and we look forward to them entering into leadership roles within their communities.”
After Monday night's program, a few of this year's graduates shared their definitions of true leaders. They said completing the eight-month endeavor gave them a better sense of the word.
“A leader doesn't need the spotlight or attention,” said 2006 graduate Kurth Cornett. “A leader gets things accomplished by not being afraid to get their hands dirty. A leader is a hard worker.”
“A leader is someone who stands up for what they believe in,” said 2006 graduate Megan Mosley. “And they set good examples within their communities.”
“A leader is motivated by desire to do something important,” said 2006 graduate Linda Craiger, “someone who has dedication, focus and passion for community service.”
The 2006 graduating class of Leadership Harlan County United includes Kathleen Braithwaite, Sherry Call, Kurth Cornett, Linda Craiger, Mary Finns, Charles Guyn, Velma Massengale, Megan Mosley, Misty Noe, Judy Pace, Edwina Raleigh, Tammy Wright, Christy Lewis-Yercine and Kathy Fox-Jones.