Books, books, books

It's interesting. We offered a book club over winter break on Secret Life of Bees by Susan Monk Kidd. Lots of people signed up for it. Lots of people read the book. About 40% met to talk about the book.

What's so interesting about this? Well, the book was great simply to read. However, when you read a book in the frame of leadership, the perspective changes. I flagged page upon page of potential talking points for the book club. When we actually met to discuss the book, we really didn't talk that much about the content. Rather, we talked about the bigger ideas of the book and what it means to be a leader. Some fascinating discussions came out of it.

Because folks wanted more, we're going to read another book over spring break. Fascinating. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.

I encourage you to pick out a work of fiction. Read it with the idea of "leadership" in your mind. it will open your eyes!

A Focus on Values

No matter what you call leadership--what words you might use or even how you might define it--effective leaders have to focus on their values.

Take some time to reflect on what your values are. Right now (not later, not tomorrow), take out a piece of paper and list your values. Once you've done that, consider how much time you spend each day, week, month, or year on each of those values. How are you doing? Are there things that you need to change in regards to how you spend your time? Or are you right on with what you've listed as your values?

So. You've listed these values. But how does it connect to leadership? Well, if you aren't walking the walk or talking the talk, how will you inspire others to do the same? How will others come to trust you (and feel empowered by you) if you aren't even true to yourself?

Huh.

So many kinds!!!

There are so many different kinds of leadership. Which is the right one?

There is no "right" one. It's going to depend on each individual.

I'd like to share a bit more information, though, about various leadership styles. I'll start with "resonant leadership." A resonant leader is a leader who is aware of themselves (mind, body, spirit, and heart), manages themselves (takes time out when time is needed), and is aware of the social environment that they are in (compassionate to others and pays attention to relationships). Resonant leaders are optimistic and have a personal vision that is hopeful and leads them to being their ideal self.

What really strikes me about resonant leadership is the importance that is placed on individuals and relationships between individuals. Leaders need to create a positive culture that leads to success.

Resonant Leadership by Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee provides additional information about resonant leadership. The book also provides reflective activities to help readers become more of a resonant leader. I encourage you to read the book and do the activities so that you can become more aware of yourself and others.

That which we call leadership by any other name would still be as great

OK, OK, enough with the Shakespeare already!

But, seriously, what's with the word "leadership"? I've heard from many that this word can be intimidating, is over used, doesn't describe what a person does...and the list goes on.

Dictionary.com (retrieved 8/18/08) defines it this way:
lead·er·ship /ˈlidərˌʃɪp/
–noun
1. the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition.
2. ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential.
3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership.
4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.

How do YOU define leadership? Are you a leader? What makes you a leader?