I received a lot of emails about the Plunger story.  Not enough to terrify the providers of my email account, but enough to make the Loved One a little nervous.  Even the ferocious Yorkshire terrier was shaking in his boots.

One reader commented to me that "Surely, if the executives at your friend's organization thought she was that valuable, she wouldn't be expected to plunge toilets. Maybe she thinks too much of herself." 

Another writes "Odd that you would choose this sort of theme for a leadership website."

Exactly my point. 

It is time that we change the way we think about the concept of leadership.  I believe it was Smartypants that posted earlier this week  that there seemed to be no great social leaders left. We are no longer encouraging the cultivation of maverick thought and creative invention.

Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, organizational situations, and classifications.  They are managers, receptionists, owners, and newly hired entry level employees.  All have a contribution to make.  Some will be brilliant, others will be mediocre but all will be worth hearing. 

Whether you subscribe to the trait theory of leadership or the more situational based theories, you will still think of some more inclined to follow in the footsteps of others than take up the charge themselves. That's okay... What we are missing in today's workplace, and yes, in society in general, is a willingness to look outside of the CEOs and political figures for our inspiration. Good ideas come from the most unexpected of places and often from the most unorthodox people...