Leading Leaders

There are arguments for and against the notion of "born leaders."  This site is devoted  all types of leadership, but focused especially to the idea of grass roots leadership, or the citizen leader.  These type of leaders are often reluctant leaders, people that come into positions of influence by chance, to create change in economic situations or local political environments.

If we believe that individuals can become leaders, we must also believe to some extent that leadership, or some parts of it, can be learned. Successful people are not by default leaders. In fact, many executives have traits or characteristics that keep them from rising to the level of leader within their circle. (If you haven't already, please pick up a copy of What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall Goldsmith)  I point this out because I believe there are many that would become more active within their communities and organizations if they had confidence in their leadership potential. Grass roots leadership, servant leadership - these ideas are not about salesmanship alone. They are about influencing others with a heartfelt passion.  They are about action, volunteerism.

Everyday leaders are not the people we see on the 10:00 news.  (at least not on a regular basis) Everyday, citizen leaders are the men, women, and young people that volunteer at the community center for no glory at all. We rarely hear about all that they've accomplished, and yet they accomplish so much.  These are the leaders that we know so little about...and the leaders we should seek out.  These individuals have much to teach us about how to become good citizens. These lessons can be translated into both community and business - and they are lessons that will not lose their relevance over time.