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Cesar E. Chavez
Lessons on Leadership and Service
Three Essential Principles
Three Essential Principles
By the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
BARRIOZONA
March 21, 2007
BARRIOZONA
March 21, 2007
Roots
If something validated Cesar Chavez’ advocacy for farm workers more than anything else, was the very fact his struggle to
achieve fairer and more humane conditions was deeply rooted in him. His right to fight for the people was his own
firsthand experience and understanding of the sentiment of the workers, because that sentiment was embedded in him.
Cesar Chavez became a natural leader because he shared the same experiences as those of the workers he tenaciously
fought for. He had the background and the qualifications.
Humility
In Cesar Chavez this attribute was truly genuine. His humility was far from being pretended or even implemented in his
work. It flowed naturally through him because he was a humble human being willing to serve others, versus pretending to
be a self-appointed leader who displayed humility at convenience. While some so-called leaders wear humility as a
garment for certain occasions and to appear humble, Cesar Chavez’ humility was a virtue sowed in his soul. He breathed
it every step of the way as he served others with sincerity and transparent intentions.
Consistency
Cesar Chavez’ life was consistent from beginning to end. He did not appear or disappear suddenly or overnight. He was
in essence the same person from his childhood to his last days. He wasn’t into something one day and into something
different the next day. His journey was steady as were his principles. He was a serious person who naturally and fully
developed from the seed that destiny planted in him into the mature and effective leader he came to be. His message
was his own devoted life, a message delivered with as much simplicity as strength and effectiveness. After his death and
to this day, his message perseveres in his legacy of steadfastness, inspiration, and struggle.
Cesar Chavez’ efforts on behalf of some of the less privileged and abused workers of America continues to be a
paradigm for those who aspire to serve others. The closeness and unity of his character-message is a harvest of service,
sacrifice and dedication. We thank Cesar Chavez for this down-to-earth yet powerful service to humanity, and for having
nothing else in mind but to uphold the dignity of farm workers and their invaluable contribution.
Copyright © 2007 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
If something validated Cesar Chavez’ advocacy for farm workers more than anything else, was the very fact his struggle to
achieve fairer and more humane conditions was deeply rooted in him. His right to fight for the people was his own
firsthand experience and understanding of the sentiment of the workers, because that sentiment was embedded in him.
Cesar Chavez became a natural leader because he shared the same experiences as those of the workers he tenaciously
fought for. He had the background and the qualifications.
Humility
In Cesar Chavez this attribute was truly genuine. His humility was far from being pretended or even implemented in his
work. It flowed naturally through him because he was a humble human being willing to serve others, versus pretending to
be a self-appointed leader who displayed humility at convenience. While some so-called leaders wear humility as a
garment for certain occasions and to appear humble, Cesar Chavez’ humility was a virtue sowed in his soul. He breathed
it every step of the way as he served others with sincerity and transparent intentions.
Consistency
Cesar Chavez’ life was consistent from beginning to end. He did not appear or disappear suddenly or overnight. He was
in essence the same person from his childhood to his last days. He wasn’t into something one day and into something
different the next day. His journey was steady as were his principles. He was a serious person who naturally and fully
developed from the seed that destiny planted in him into the mature and effective leader he came to be. His message
was his own devoted life, a message delivered with as much simplicity as strength and effectiveness. After his death and
to this day, his message perseveres in his legacy of steadfastness, inspiration, and struggle.
Cesar Chavez’ efforts on behalf of some of the less privileged and abused workers of America continues to be a
paradigm for those who aspire to serve others. The closeness and unity of his character-message is a harvest of service,
sacrifice and dedication. We thank Cesar Chavez for this down-to-earth yet powerful service to humanity, and for having
nothing else in mind but to uphold the dignity of farm workers and their invaluable contribution.
Copyright © 2007 Hispanic Institute of Social Issues
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