Thursday; August 20

          What does it mean to be a leader?  We live in a world that is in desperate need of leaders, but who should we follow? 

          Before we discuss the qualities of leadership, it might be beneficial to identify what leadership isn’t.  Leadership is not management.  Managers are people who are assigned the completion of tasks and utilization of resources.  Their job is make sure goals are met as efficiently as possible.  Sure, they can play an important role in the bottom line, but they aren’t necessarily people who will help their people be the best they can be.  Leadership is not authority.  Many people have risen to a position of power in ways that are illegal, immoral or just plain out wrong.  They have influence over people because they control a certain element of their lives.

          So what is leadership?  Leadership is the ability to help people become the best they can be.  It is caring enough about others to assist them in shaping their own talents and abilities to develop a fulfilling life.  Leadership is having the wisdom to understand how to support people and the integrity to demonstrate how the good life looks.  Leaders are found everywhere in a 360-degree world. Sure, they can be atop a multi-layered corporation or just starting out in the proverbial basement.  They can be in positions of national or local power, but they might also be the public servants keeping the peace in a neighborhood.

          As we mentioned, the world needs leaders.  Are we willing to appreciate those who demonstrate true leadership ability?  Are we committed to helping others become the best they can be?

Think About It!

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