Typically heroes are leaders; not because they hold a high level position or are well compensated, but because they take initiative, often to extremes.

But even “extreme initiative” pales to insignificance as a description of 63 year old Dr. Hawa Abdi, better known as Mama Hawa.

For 20 years Mama Hawa has run a hospital and in May faced down Somalia’s most fearsome militant Islamist group.

Hundreds of women from a sprawling refugee camp on her property to protest, adding to a flood of condemnation from Somalis abroad that forced the militants to back down.

Hundreds of women from the sprawling refugee camp on Dr. Abdi’s property dared to protest, adding to a flood of condemnation from Somalis abroad that forced the militants to back down. Dr. Abdi even insisted that the gunmen apologize — in writing — which they grudgingly agreed to do.

What unique combination of genes, MAP and circumstances produces a Mama Hawa? Why has she flourished, while others flamed out?

What can you learn from her regarding initiative, drive, determination, leadership, inspiration and communication?

Take the time to read her profile and analyze it for the multiple lessons it contains.

Then start applying them to your own life one by one.

Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/uggboy/4881735073/

This entry was posted on Monday, January 10th, 2011 at 1:15 am and is filed under Personal Growth. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Tags: initiative, leader, Strength & Grace
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