We often think of leaders as the people with impressive titles - the executive director, principal, legislator, or general. These are positional leaders. Some of them do lead - they have genuine, as opposed to coercive, relationships with followers and pursue shared goals.
Often dynamic leaders come from the rank and file of ordinary people. In fact, most of us have had at least some experience as leaders in the various roles and relationships of our lives. We work in our schools, unions, congregations and communities to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. Every day citizen leaders work with others to build community, pursue justice, and deliver the promise of democracy.
Qualities of leadership do matter. The values and behaviors of leaders in our movement must demonstrate a leadership of empowerment - a leadership that is democratic and participatory in nature, is rooted in values and ethics, and is reflective in its quest to understand the dynamics of the groups they lead.
Qualities of empowering leaders:
Values -
- Respect for others
- Integrity and authenticity
- Honesty
- Compassion
Behaviors -
- Shared leadership
- Mentoring
- Collaboration
- Open communication
- Accessible
Our organizations and campaigns need leaders who know how to respect and build up the leadership of others. Our communities and nation are hungry for a new kind of leadership.