The New Hero
Linda Lea Ph.D, CPCC

When we think of heroes that we have known throughout time, we reflect on people who have left an enormous impact in the world through some kind of personal sacrifice. Often what comes to mind are men and women who gave their time and energy to make a difference that has been recorded in time. Presidents, saints, visionaries are all part of the history and mythology that surrounds heroes. And maybe just maybe, there are people, right here in our own lives that need to be recognized as our personal heroes.

What is a hero?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a hero as: Any man noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose; especially, one who has risked or sacrificed his life. Today, the word hero no longer has this exact dictionary definition. I believe we have a new perception of the word  hero , redefining our image of who actually qualifies. The word  new intimates that something is different. Somehow, the old way of thinking about what a hero is no longer exists. The new heroes may be humanitarians, serving others, inspiring people in different ways by how they live their lives. It may be a person who is committed to changing something in the their community by personal example. Passion is there as well and a willingness to be selfless in the desire to bring about change.

Peter Jennings fits the above description. As a journalist he inspired others with his quiet integrity and his passion for informing the world about what was important, digging deep to find the truth. Committed to educating himself in order to serve others, he remains an inspiration in death as he was in life. As a champion for the truth, he will be remembered as a hero who did not stop until the job was done. When I think of heroes in my life, I think about people I have known who had courage to act when it was not always comfortable. People who were passionate about life and service to others, and people who lived life with an energy that inspired others to follow.

Who are these heroes anyway?
Imagine running away from a dictatorship that is crumbling, with two small children, leaving your country behind to flee to America, speaking little English and having no support system in place. Think about the courage it took for this woman to start over again and make a new life for herself and her children. That is exactly what Farideh did, a very good friend of mine who never asks for acknowledgement; she is one of my personal heroes.

Often the new hero is someone who will never make the cover of Time magazine, or the headlines in a newspaper. Individuals who are working quietly, behind the scenes to make an impact with a common goal--joining hands, ideas and vision to make their home a better place. They do not need recognition for what is being done, as service to others is their primary goal. The new hero is compassionate and loving, always finding time to listen to others. Courage and determination come to mind as well. It takes courage to find the strength to be the source of something new and stand in that commitment. As John Wayne would say: True Grit!

There are many coaches who fit the new definition of hero. Coaches work diligently to alter the lives of the people they serve. In consort with the client, coaches transform lives, and often do not get acknowledged. Coaches are working in corporate settings, with families, and in education, helping others to make intelligent choices. The common denominator is that today's new heroes are people in our, families, schools, churches and businesses working behind the scenes to make a difference, without the demand for recognition. As we consider our personal heroes, think about individuals who are bringing the world closer together by how they live their lives. My request is that you recognize people in your lives who are unsung heroes and send out a universal chain of acknowledgement.

Dr. Lea is a Certified Life Coach, a graduate of the Co-Active Leadership Program and a Co-organizer for the Education Niche Community. She holds a Ph.D in Education and is currently an Education Consultant working internationally. Her extensive background in speaking and writing interfaces with her work in the world. Dr. Lea is the Director of Education Programs in East Africa for Global Partners for Development, an international non-profit organization working in East Africa. She travels extensively for her work in Africa and develops communication and leadership programs to empower young Maasai women in Tanzania and Kenya. Dr. Lea has published many articles highlighting her work in adult literacy and the empowerment of individuals through better communication. She is a visionary, who is passionate about taking coaching into Education.

For more information contact her at:
Lea Coaching and Consulting
(707) 939-7572
www.LindaLea.com