It's a Wonderful Life has always struck me as a leadership parable. Centering on George Bailey, a man who puts his aspirations on hold for the good of others and his community. People rally around George's choices to put others first. He inspires the people around him. The world needs more George Bailey's. Yet, an overlooked leadership example in the movie is Clarence. Without Clarence, George ends up in the river and Bedford Falls becomes Potterville.
Clarence is an angel, but his actions and words don't have to be reserved for the heavenly. We may not be able to show an individual how a whole community would be impacted if they had never been born, but Clarence's leadership is more accessible than we may think. Clarence simply makes the time to let George know how much he matters, how purposeful his life is and therefore, how wonderful.
Letting others know how much they matter, how much their work matters, should not be reserved for angels striving to get their wings. We can all bring a little more Heaven to Earth each and every day. We can strive to be more like Clarence for the people in our lives.
Who can you be "a Clarence" for today? There are lots of George Bailey's out there who need you.
For more on leading through small acts that have a big impact watch the @nuancedrew TEDtalk, Everyday Leadership. Books that inspire are The Energy Bus by @jongordon11 and the Three Signs of a Miserable Job @patricklencioni.
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