Leadership Skills and Attributes are Important for Everyone
by Janet Skeie September 18, 2008
We hear a lot about leadership today, in politics (especially in an election year!), in business, and in our communities. In the September 14, 2008 issue of Parade Magazine, www.parade.com Doris Kearns Goodwin outlines 10 attributes of great presidents. Some of the attributes include a moral compass, self-confidence, willingness to change, and an ability to learn from errors. I was struck by this list of attributes; they are excellent attributes for everyone, not just for presidents.
There are many definitions of leadership. What does good leadership mean to you? I came across some definitions for leadership from others that I liked.
- A manager takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to.—Rosalyn Carter, Former First Lady of the U.S.
- The ultimate test of practical leadership is the realization of intended, real change that meets people’s enduring needs.—James MacGregor Burns, Author and Professor of Political Science, Williams College
- If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.—John Quincy Adams quotes (American 6th US President (1825-29), eldest son of John Adams, 2nd US president. 1767-1848)
Leadership can take many forms. Most adults are engaged in work, organizations, communities and volunteer efforts. All of these interactions require some type of leadership even if you are not the President, CEO, or Director. The attributes Goodwin listed would serve us all well in our different roles.
Leadership skills are valuable for each of us and not just for leaders. Every community, business, or volunteer position offers an opportunity to use leadership skills. The ability to listen to other ideas, to work with others and to put a common goal above self-interest are all qualities of a good leader.
ALVA: Leadership development for the rest of your life is an exciting new program offered by the Vital Aging Network (www.vital-aging-network.org). It offers an opportunity to develop new leadership skills and learn with others who are interested in making a difference. Older adults will play an important role in the coming years just due to the size of the demographic group. The ALVA program offers ideas and tools that will help participants be fully engaged and contribute to the common good as they navigate this stage of life.
Expand your definitions of leadership and see if it can make difference in your current activities. A new broad definition of leadership may also lead you in a new direction.